Electoral bodies in Nigeria

The INEC is the body which has the responsibility to organize and conducting election in the country. The commission was established by Decree No. 17 of 1998, now an act of the National Assembly. It is made up of the chairman and twelve national commissioners. The body is expected to register all eligible voters and political parties before the conduct of any election.

Functions of INEC

To organize, conduct and supervise election to all elective offices in the country.

Registers political parties in accordance with the provision of the constitution and act of the national assembly.

Monitors the organization and operation of the political parties including their finances.

Educates the electorates before the conduct of election about party logos and the way to vote.

Delegates powers to all resident electoral commissioners.

Dividing the country into some electoral districts known as constituencies.

The State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC)

The State Independence Electoral Commission (SIEC) operates at the state level. It came in to being under the provision of Chapter (iv) Part II, Section B, Number 197, of the 1999 Constitution. The first commission was inaugurated on the 5th of September, 2001.

Functions of SIEC

They conduct and supervise elections for elective positions in the state and local governments.

They declare winners after election exercise has been done.

They also organize bye – elections for elective positions in the state and local government when there are vacancies.

They issue certificates to winners after an election has been conducted.

EVALUATION

What are electoral bodies?

State the functions of SIEC

Explain the following terms: (i) INEC (ii) SIEC

Give three functions of following bodies: (i) INEC (ii) SIEC