Nigeria’s House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards electoral reform by endorsing a bill that allows independent candidates to run in presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state assembly, and local government elections. This move aims to expand Nigeria’s democratic space and promote greater inclusion in the political process ¹.
The Bill’s Objective
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to enable candidates unaffiliated with political parties to contest elections. Rotimi emphasized that the amendment aims to broaden the democratic process, allowing citizens without party affiliations to run for public offices.
Key Provisions
The bill proposes to amend Section 7 of the Principal Act by introducing new subsections (4A) and (4B). These subsections outline the following:
- Eligibility: Any eligible voter or candidate for the State House of Assembly can run for local government office, regardless of political party affiliation or sponsorship.
- Criteria for Independent Candidates: To contest elections, independent candidates must secure verified signatures from at least 10% of registered voters across two-thirds of the electoral wards in the local government area.
Support from Advocacy Groups
Civil society organizations, such as Elect Her, a Nigerian political inclusiveness advocacy group, have endorsed the bill. Elect Her’s CEO, Joke Faborode, noted that the bill addresses inequalities by promoting minority groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, to parity.
The Electoral Process
The bill’s passage is a significant step towards reforming Nigeria’s electoral process. The Electoral Act 2022 has already introduced procedural changes, including party primaries and candidate registration deadlines. The Act also grants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) greater financial independence and allows the use of voting machines.
Challenges Ahead
While the bill’s passage is a positive development, challenges remain. The verification process for independent candidates may be cumbersome, requiring signatures from a significant percentage of registered voters. Additionally, the electoral process must ensure fairness and transparency to maintain public trust.
Conclusion
The House of Representatives’ endorsement of independent candidacy is a significant move towards expanding Nigeria’s democratic space. The bill’s passage will allow citizens without party affiliations to participate in the electoral process, promoting greater inclusion and representation. As Nigeria continues on the path of electoral reform, it is essential to address the challenges ahead and ensure a fair and transparent process for all candidates.
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