The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa one of the Election Observer Missions to the March,2018 Elections led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has noted in its preliminary report recommendations on the March 2018 Elections that the constitutional provision which mandates the National Electoral Commission NEC to report its activities to the President undermines its independence in conducting credible elections.
It will be recalled that EISA deployed an Election Observer Mission to the 7th March,2018 with 12 short term observers drawn from Civil society organisations and election management bodies from eleven African countries.
These observers were deployed in Bo,Kenema,Makeni and Port Loko.
EISA preliminary findings had particularly noted that the establishment of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) is provided for in Chapter 1V of the 1991 constitution and that the five Electoral Commissioners are also appointed by the President in consultation with Political Party leaders and with the approval of parliament.
They further noted in their report that the independence of NEC is guaranteed by the constitution and reinforced by the Public Elections Act.
Regrettably EISA has also noted that the reporting and accountability mechanisms of NEC require it to submit its reports to the President for tabling in parliament.
This line of reporting EISA notes could compromise the independence of the Commission.
The EISA team had recommended that the National Electoral Commission reports to parliament the representatives of the people rather than the President which in itself erodes their independence in managing elections in which the President is also a player.
The EISA preliminary report has also raised issues Voter registration and verification;Political Parties and nomination of candidates; Campaign Financing and the role of the PPRC;Role of the Media,Gender,Persons with Disabilities and Youth;Civil Society and the Role of the Security Agencies.
All of these issues as raised by EISA are very critical and have largely challenged various election cycles in the country.
The Government of President Bio and the National Electoral Commission committed to meeting or addressing the critical issues raised after the March 7,2018 elections.
But as we speak we are likely to also see these problems rearing-up their heads in the 2023 elections.