LG AUTONOMY: Bill to establish LG electoral commission passes first reading

A bill for the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission has scaled first reading in the Senate.

The body will be saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections for the 774 local governments in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The bill, “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)”, was sponsored by Chairman, Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC – Niger East).

The proposed NILGEC shall consist of a Chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate,

The chairperson and commissioners shall serve for a term of five years, renewable once.

According to the bill, the NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference, and the Commission shall have its budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.

According to the bill, on independence and autonomy: “NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference. The Commission shall have its budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.”

The bill also stipulates that on electoral process and procedures: “NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections.

“NILGEC shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.”

On the election timeline: “NILGEC shall announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election. Elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors shall be conducted every four years.”

Stipulating the electoral offences and penalties, the bill said, “NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offences, including but not limited to voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence.”

On commencement: the bill said, “It shall come into effect upon its passage by the National Assembly and assent by the President.”

This bill is coming barely a week after the Supreme Court granted autonomy to the local governments.