 of its party registration role has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.){kind=link}
A bill that seeks to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its party registration role has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Edo lawmaker Marcus Onobun, aims to establish an independent authority for the registration, regulation, and funding of political parties in Nigeria.
The bill proposes several key provisions, including:
– *Independent Body*: The creation of an independent body, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, to oversee the registration and regulation of political parties.
– *Disputes Tribunal*: The establishment of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal to resolve disputes between members of political parties, political parties, and independent candidates.
– *Penalties and Punishments*: The prescription of penalties for offenses by political parties and their members, ensuring transparency and accountability in political party administration.
– *Consequential Amendments*: The bill also seeks to make consequential amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, removing the registration of political parties from INEC’s functions.
Proponents of the bill argue that INEC is overwhelmed with its current responsibilities, including registering political parties, regulating their activities, and conducting elections. By creating an independent authority, the bill aims to ensure that registered political parties comply with constitutional and statutory requirements while INEC focuses on conducting elections.
The bill’s proponents believe that it will bring several benefits, including:
– *Improved Transparency*: The creation of an independent authority will ensure that political party registration and regulation are transparent and accountable.
– *Enhanced Efficiency*: INEC will be able to focus on conducting elections, improving the efficiency of the electoral process.
– *Better Regulation*: The independent authority will be able to regulate political parties more effectively, ensuring that they comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.
The bill has been referred to the Committees on Electoral Matters and Political Party Matters for further review. If passed into law, the bill could significantly alter the landscape of political party registration and regulation in Nigeria
The bill to strip INEC of its party registration role is a significant development in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. If passed into law, it could bring several benefits, including improved transparency, enhanced efficiency, and better regulation. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is essential to carefully consider its implications and ensure that it aligns with Nigeria’s electoral goals.