A coalition of CSOs has opposed the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECOMs) and the reversal to manual voting by Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM).
Mr Laurence Obeweh, the Founder/National Coordinator of ReSET Nigeria and Mr Bako Abdul, the National President of Campaign for Democracy disclosed this while addressing a press conference on Monday in Kaduna.
Others CSOs on the same position who spoke at the conference were Mr Stephen Waya, the Convener of Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED) and Mr Yusuf Goje, the Founding Partner of Partnership for Issues-based Campaign in Nigeria (PiCAN).
The CSOs expressed deep concern over the proposed scrapping of the SIECOMs and the plans to centralise local government (LG) elections either under a new centralised body at the federal level or the INEC as being proposed.
They stressed that the move, though understandable, contradicted the principles of true and fiscal federalism and meaningful electoral reform.
They said it would likely further erode citizens’
trust and confidence in the electoral process.
They explained that the Justice Uwais report on electoral reform which recommended the unbundling of INEC was a testament to the assertion for decentralised and specialised institutions to manage different aspects of the electoral process.
According to them, adding the LG elections to INEC or any new institution is already overwhelming and will be a recipe for further political instability.
“Upon deeper reflection, we realised that everything we are afraid of about SIECOMs is what we have accused INEC of and will likely be replicated even in a new Commission.
“Tell us one election that INEC has conducted that the credibility was not questioned.
”Nonetheless, even some of the improvements we have witnessed in INEC are the result of system strengthening reforms demanded by stakeholders.
“Same should be done to progressively strengthen SIECOMs and not scrap it,”they said.
The CSOs said that they expected to see laws that removed the discretionary powers of the Governors to appoint Chairpersons and members of the SIECOMs.
Speaking further, the group expressed concern over the Federal Government’s non implementation of the Oransanya’s report which recommended the downsizing and streamlining of MDAs.
They, therefore, frowned at the culture and approach of duplicating institutions rather than reforming and strengthening existing systems towards better performance and results delivery.
Theby congratulated the Federal Government and Nigerians over the Supreme Court’s judgment on local governments financial autonomy
The CSOs reiterated their call on the Federal Government and National Assembly to leverage the constitution amendment process to strengthen SIECOMs by ensuring their financial autonomy and operational independence.
According to them, it is crucial for conducting free, fair, and credible LG elections that would reflect the popular will of the people.
They also commended Gov. Uba Sani and the State Assembly for screening and appointing experienced individuals to lead the KAD-SIECOM.
The CSOs also lauded the Chairpersons and Permanent Commissioners of the commission on the commitments they made to organise credible elections.
They, therefore, stressed the need for the state government to ensure adequate and timely cash-backed budget releases and operational independence to enable the commission to discharge its duties effectively.
The group also urged the commission to remain resolute in its neutrality and independence, and call on those intending to put pressure on it to compromise or manipulate the forthcoming local government elections to refrain from doing so.
They acknowledged the circumstances and justification behind the jettisoning of the use of electronic voting.
The CSOs, however, called on the commission and stakeholders to ensure that all necessary steps are put in place to checkmate ballot box snatching, stuffing and writing of results.
They recommended that the state assembly and commission reintroduce electronic voting as an optional feature, to be jettison only in exceptional circumstances.
“This is to facilitate a seamless transition to full technology-driven elections in the future, which is inevitable.
”We are also worried about the disturbing issue of absence of internal democracy in political parties as witnessed in the recent primaries of most of the political parties in the State.
“This remains a huge challenge in our electoral process, as it throws up the most loyal to godfathers as against the most competent based on popular support.
“KAD-SIECOM going forward should not shy away from wielding the big stick on political parties that compromise internal party democracy.
”Similarly, in line with the amended law, parties or politicians that promote or engage in violence or vote-buying should also not be spared,”they said.
They urged all stakeholders, including CSOs, community leaders and eligible voters to actively participate in the forthcoming LG electoral process, engage in massive voter education, observe and report on the election and demand accountability from KAD-SIECOM.(NAN)
