Civil society groups have emphasized the need for reforms to enhance the credibility of local government elections in Lagos State, including the urgent constitution of the leadership of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to enable proper planning and execution of the upcoming local government elections.
The recommendations were issued in a communique following an advocacy roundtable held on April 30, 2024, organized by Yiaga Africa in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
Stakeholders at the event highlighted the need for appointed officials to be non-partisan, professional, experienced in election management, and individuals of integrity.
Participants also advocated for the establishment of a dedicated LASIEC Fund to ensure the commission’s financial independence, allowing it to adequately prepare for elections and inspire public trust in the process.
The Communique signed by representatives from the Lagos Civil Society Partnership for Development (LASCOP), Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Centre for Development Communication, EIE Nigeria, Centre for Madu for Human Right urged that proposed amendments to the Lagos State Electoral Commission Law (2008) should be consistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
Additionally, it urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to ensure active public involvement in the ongoing electoral law review process by publicising information about public hearings and allowing citizens to contribute.
Furthermore, the communique emphasized the need for sustained and adequate voter and civic education, as well as sensitization efforts by civil society organizations and the media, to encourage increased citizen participation in local government elections.
Other recommendations included standardizing the tenure of local government administrations to four years across Nigeria, providing adequate and timely funding for LASIEC, and ensuring that local government elections are held within a specific timeframe before the expiration of the incumbent administration’s term.
The communique urged the Lagos State government and the House of Assembly to seriously consider and implement these recommendations, stating that their enactment would enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility of local government elections, ultimately strengthening democracy and governance at the grassroots level.
