The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled 142 recommendations aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral process and ensuring credible elections in the future.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, made this announcement on Thursday during a consultative meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.
A Step Towards Electoral Reforms
Yakubu explained that the recommendations cover key areas such as voter management, political party management, election security, and result management.
The recommendations are intended to address the challenges faced during the 2023 General Elections and improve the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“We have identified 142 recommendations that, if implemented, would ensure more credible elections,” Yakubu said.
He noted that 86 of these recommendations require action from INEC itself, while 48 will involve collaboration with other stakeholders, including security agencies, political parties, and the media.
Key Areas of Focus
The recommendations touch on several aspects of the electoral process, including voter education, election operations, and security.
One significant recommendation is to review the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for voter accreditation.
Yakubu suggested that, in the future, computer-generated slips or even downloadable slips from INEC’s website should be sufficient for voter accreditation.
This change, he said, would reduce costs and eliminate issues related to PVC collection and the illegal practice of buying PVCs to disenfranchise voters.
“Those who already have their PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, this new system will help streamline the process,” Yakubu explained.
Collaboration is Key
Yakubu emphasized the importance of collaboration between INEC and various stakeholders in implementing these recommendations.
He pointed out that some recommendations would require action from agencies such as the security services, mobile network operators, and even civil society organizations.
“There are 48 recommendations that require action from stakeholders beyond INEC. These include security agencies, political parties, and the media,” he said.
He added that INEC plans to engage with the National Assembly soon to discuss recommendations that require legislative action, particularly around electoral reform.
Legal Clarity in Result Management
A major highlight of the recommendations concerns legal clarity in result management.
Yakubu stressed the importance of resolving the issue surrounding the manual and electronic transmission of election results.
The INEC Chairman pointed out that while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been a key success in the recent elections, more legal clarity is needed on how election results are transmitted.
“The Commission believes there needs to be legal clarity on whether results should be transferred manually or electronically,” Yakubu explained.
This recommendation aims to ensure that election results are both accurate and timely, preventing delays and disputes that can arise in the process.
The Role of RECs in Implementation
During the meeting, Yakubu underlined the critical role that the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) would play in implementing these recommendations.
“Because RECs are at the forefront of election implementation, we must engage them first to ensure that they are prepared for the upcoming reforms,” he said.
The meeting was described as the last consultative session for the year, focusing on detailed planning for the 2025 elections.
Yakubu emphasized that these recommendations are part of INEC’s ongoing efforts to refine Nigeria’s electoral process.
Engaging the Public
Yakubu also encouraged the media, civil society organizations, and the public to support the electoral reforms.
He highlighted the importance of voter education and public communication in the success of the reforms.
“The media, civil society, and the public must be engaged to ensure that every Nigerian understands the electoral process and the reforms being implemented,” he said.
Next Steps for Electoral Reform
The INEC Chairman outlined the next steps for ensuring that these recommendations lead to meaningful changes.
“We will soon make a presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters to discuss the legislative actions required for electoral reform,” Yakubu said.
He concluded by reiterating that the Commission is committed to holding credible elections and improving the integrity of the process.
“Our goal is simple: to ensure that every Nigerian citizen can cast their vote in a free, fair, and credible election,” Yakubu stated.
As INEC prepares for the upcoming elections, these 142 recommendations could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s electoral history. The full implementation of these reforms will require cooperation from all sectors of society, and only time will tell if they can truly bring about the change Nigeria needs.