Ex-INEC Chair, Jega Calls For Amendment Of Electoral Act

EKO HOT BLOG reports the Former INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, has urged amendments to the Electoral Act of 2022, noting its historic importance in Nigeria’s electoral history while emphasizing the need for improvement. Speaking at a retreat organized for senators by the NILDS in Akwa Ibom State, Jega proposed key changes.

First, he recommended the mandatory electronic transmission of results from the 2027 general elections to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation risks. He also called for ending the president’s power to appoint INEC’s chairman and National Commissioners, aiming for a more impartial commission.

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Jega emphasized the necessity of timely resolution of election-related cases before swearing-in, addressing concerns regarding section 64 of the Electoral Act by making the transmission of results mandatory. This involves uploading results from polling units and collation sheets.

Furthermore, Jega suggested the introduction of an early voting system for INEC staff, observers, and others involved in elections. He advocated for diaspora voting in presidential elections, enabling citizens abroad to participate. To promote gender inclusivity, he recommended reserving up to 35% of elective positions for women.

Jega also proposed banning cross-carpeting for elected officials at all levels, empowering INEC to conduct prompt elections to fill vacancies due to such actions. He called for stringent conditions on candidate withdrawal and replacement to prevent abuse and for INEC to screen and disqualify candidates with questionable credentials or evidence of forgery.

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Regarding appointment processes at INEC, Jega suggested minimizing the president’s involvement and entrusted the National Assembly with more transparent and non-partisan criteria for selection. Public scrutiny of nominees during this process would ensure knowledge, skills, good character, and non-partisanship are upheld, with guidelines for submitting petitions against any nominee. These amendments aim to enhance Nigeria’s electoral processes, making them more transparent, efficient, and inclusive.

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