…Governors have made it a process of imposition and coronation instead of election.
…Lack of local Government elections affects the competitive growth and development of our local communities.
…It’s inimical to the growth and survival of multi-party democracy in Nigeria
The lack of transparent elections in local government can have several negative effects, including:
1. _Undermining democracy_: Non-transparent elections can erode trust in the democratic process and lead to disenfranchisement.
2. _Political corruption_: Opaque elections can facilitate fraud, bribery, and manipulation, enabling corrupt politicians to maintain power.
3. _Lack of accountability_: Without transparent elections, officials may feel unaccountable to citizens, leading to poor governance and mismanagement.
4. _Disenfranchisement of marginalized groups_: Non-transparent elections can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as minorities, low-income communities, and women.
5. _Political instability_: Disputes and controversies surrounding non-transparent elections can lead to social unrest, protests, and even violence.
6. _Erosion of public trust_: Lack of transparency can lead to widespread mistrust in government institutions and leaders.
7. _Inefficient resource allocation_: Without accountable and transparent leadership, resources may be misallocated, leading to inefficient public spending.
8. _Stagnation of local development_: Non-transparent elections can hinder progress on local issues, as corrupt or unaccountable officials prioritize personal interests over public needs.
9. _Loss of faith in institutions_: Repeated experiences of non-transparent elections can lead to a broader disillusionment with democratic institutions and the political process.
10. _Undermining of the rule of law_: Non-transparent elections can contribute to a culture of impunity, where those in power feel above the law.
To mitigate these effects, it is essential to promote transparent, free, and fair elections in local government, ensuring the integrity and accountability of the electoral process.
We need a major electoral reforms to help ensure that the local government is given financial and Administrative autonomy.
These are the main reasons why I support the decision of Attorney General and minister of Justice for the need to free the local Government system from the armpit of state governors.
STATES INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Recommendations:
• Section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) relating to the place of Local Governments as the third tier of government should be amended to specifically guarantee the existence, establishment, structure, composition, finance, functions and tenure of Local Governments under the Constitution.
• Section 153, 197 and The third Schedule to the Constitution should be amended to provide for the following re-designation and re-ordering of States Independent Electoral Commission:
1. At the State level, the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) should be abolished and its structures incorporated within the structure of INEC to form a single election management body for the country. The State level Secretariat of INEC should therefore consist of 37 Directors of Elections, one for each State and the FCT, appointed by INEC, trained and posted to States other than their States of origin. These Directors should be career officers, and non-partisan persons of unquestionable character and proven integrity.
2. At the Local Government level, full time 774 Local Government Electoral Officers should be appointed by INEC after public advertisement inviting applications and posted outside their own Local Government Areas. At least one-third of these Local Electoral Officers should be women.
3. At the Ward level, full time 8814 career Assistant Electoral Officers should be appointed by INEC after public advertisement inviting applications and posted outside their wards but within the Local Government Area. At least one-third of these Local Government Electoral Officers should be women.
4. The functions and roles played by the SIECs should be made independent of the Federal level; INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners of each state be more independent to avoid interference or usurpation of powers.
Peter Ameh
Ex-IPAC Chairman