CSOs Submit 21 Key Recommendations for Electoral Reforms to National Assembly

CSOs Submit 21 Key Recommendations for Electoral Reforms to National Assembly

By Perpetua Onuegbu

ABUJA, NIGERIA November, 2024- A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has presented a Citizens' Memorandum on Electoral Reforms to the National Assembly's Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, advocating for essential updates to Nigeria's electoral framework. The memorandum, developed with input from a public town hall, aims to strengthen democratic inclusiveness, transparency, and good governance.

The statement, signed by Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa on behalf of the coalition, outlined the three key legal pillars targeted by the proposed amendments: the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC Regulations and Guidelines.

“The memorandum offers 21 recommendations for constitutional amendments and 16 for updates to the Electoral Act, addressing issues from INEC’s independence and restructuring to diaspora voting, electoral technology, and penalties for electoral offenses,” Itodo explained.

Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), emphasized that the memorandum serves as a practical roadmap for lawmakers, urging swift action to enact these reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. Another coalition member, Lanre Arogundade of the International Press Centre, underscored the need for broad consultations to gather citizens' perspectives on these reforms.

Hon. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, received the memorandum and praised the coalition's dedication. He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria's electoral process, stating, “Our focus is on delivering a legal framework that will restore public trust in the electoral system.”

The coalition, partners of the EU’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) program, includes groups such as the International Press Centre, Centre for Media and Society, and Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund, among others.