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On the 9th of June , 2024 – The inaugural episode of ‘Electoral Reform Hour’ focusing on “The Ongoing Electoral Reforms and INEC’s Position on the Electoral Amendment Bills in the 10th National Assembly,”  featured INEC Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, who provided critical insights into Nigeria’s electoral landscape, addressing both challenges and proposed amendments in the electoral process.

In his remarks, Haruna emphasized the need for cautious consideration in amending electoral laws, particularly highlighting the behavioral aspects of politicians as a crucial factor influencing electoral reforms. He stated, “We need to be cautious about rushing into electoral reforms without thorough evaluation. The behavior of political actors is a critical factor that must inform any legislative changes.”

Reflecting on the frequent changes to electoral laws, Haruna underscored the importance of testing and evaluating reforms before further modifications are sought. He added, “Before we tamper with something that is barely a year old, we should carry out thorough evaluations.”

Regarding the proposed amendment to conduct all major elections on a single day, as outlined in Section 28, Subsection 1, Haruna stressed the logistical challenges such a move could pose. He commented, “If we conduct all these elections in one day, there will be logistical problems. We should be cautious about the practicality of such changes.”

Haruna also addressed critical legislative issues, such as the conduct of party primaries and voter accreditation processes. He expressed support for amendments aimed at enhancing transparency in party primaries and ensuring strict adherence to accreditation requirements to safeguard the integrity of the voting process. Haruna noted, “Automatic disqualification for voting if there is no accreditation is a good provision. It strengthens the integrity of the voting process.”

On the issue of electronic transmission of election results, Haruna acknowledged the technical challenges highlighted during the 2023 elections. He discussed the necessity of aligning legislative provisions, particularly in Section 60, Subsection 5, to effectively facilitate electronic transmission while ensuring the accuracy and security of results. He explained, “The law as it stands now only allows transmission of results at the polling unit level. We need to consider expanding this provision carefully.”

In discussing funding challenges for INEC, Haruna highlighted discrepancies between budget allocations and actual disbursements, stressing the need for transparency and timely release of funds. He noted, “There are outstanding funds that have not been released, impacting our electoral preparedness.”

The ‘Electoral Reform Hour’, hosted by Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of PAACA, airs every Sunday from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Kapital FM and all FRCN stations nationwide. The program aims to foster informed dialogue on electoral reforms, providing a platform for stakeholders to engage in shaping Nigeria’s democratic process.

The debut episode sets the stage for ongoing discussions on electoral integrity and legislative improvements, inviting public participation to ensure a fair and transparent electoral system in Nigeria.

LISTEN TO THE FULL DISSCUSSION HERE