The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a significant reform to Nigeria’s electoral process, including replacing the traditional Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with electronically downloadable voter cards. This proposal aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Key Electoral Reforms Proposed by INEC
- Downloadable Voter Cards: INEC plans to introduce electronically downloadable voter cards to replace the physical PVCs. This digital innovation is expected to streamline voter identification and reduce logistical challenges associated with distributing physical cards.
- Shift in Appointment Powers: INEC is seeking constitutional amendments to remove the President’s authority to appoint Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). Instead, the commission itself would have the power to appoint and discipline these officials, who would be re-designated as State Directors of Elections.
- Legal Amendments Sought:
- Amendment to Section 14 (3) Paragraph F of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution to empower INEC to appoint and discipline heads of state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) offices.
- Amendment to Section 6 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022 to reflect this change in appointment powers.
Current Role of Resident Electoral Commissioners
RECs currently oversee electoral processes at the state level, including Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial, and House of Assembly elections. They are responsible for ensuring the availability of election materials, monitoring ad hoc staff, and verifying election results. Presently, RECs are appointed by the President under Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution and can only be removed by the President upon Senate approval.
Expected Impact of the Reforms
Mohammad Kuna, Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, emphasized that these reforms would promote greater independence for the electoral commission, reduce political interference, and improve the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
“The proposed change would instead give the commission power to make these appointments, though with a different nomenclature to be known as State Directors of Elections,” Kuna said during a presentation at a retreat with the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters in Lagos.