March 25, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the National Local Government Electoral Commission, an independent body mandated to organise, conduct, and supervise elections for Chairmen and Councilors across all Local Government Councils in the country.
Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu and eight other lawmakers, the bill was presented at plenary on Tuesday by House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere.
According to the bill, the proposed commission will be responsible for conducting local government elections, setting election timetables, managing polling processes, and ensuring compliance with electoral laws. It will also oversee voter registration, maintain an updated voter register, and ensure eligible citizens can participate in the electoral process.
Additionally, the commission will regulate and monitor political parties and candidates during local government elections to ensure adherence to campaign finance laws and electoral codes of conduct. It will also implement voter education programmes to raise awareness about the importance of local government elections and foster greater participation.
The bill further stipulates that the commission may assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the National Assembly.
“The Secretary of the Board of the National Local Government Electoral Commission shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Board, and must be a legal practitioner with at least 10 years of experience,” Ihonvbere stated during the debate.
The proposed commission will consist of a Chairman and 37 other members, representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Chairman, who will serve as the Chief Electoral Officer, alongside board members, will be appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the National Council of State, subject to Senate confirmation.
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