“Implement the recommendations from the various EOMs (the AU, ECOWAS, EU, EISA, and local observers), which are anchored on improving the democratic dispensation through the strengthening of election integrity, implement the recommendations of the final report of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy on the 2021 presidential elections, nurture and sustain a culture of proactive disclosure of its processes, including procurement, contracting and appointment and regularly update public interest information on its website,” it noted.
The report recommended that the IEC publish and make accessible the process for the selection and appointment of members of the IEC and the remuneration and conditions of service of the entire body.
“It should also facilitate access to information through record-keeping, proactive disclosure, and establishing clear procedures, publish and make available details of all objections, complaints or petitions received, and how they were addressed and publish and make available evidence of all candidates’ qualifications, asset declarations, and affidavits at least three months before an election for public scrutiny within a reasonable timeframe,” it said.
According to the report, the IEC should subject itself to a financial and performance audit after every election (presidential, National Assembly, and local government) and publish the outcome.
“It should also promote active participation in electoral processes and exercises through systematic and sustained civic and democracy education programmes, manage all political party funding and donations in adherence to the law and provide leadership and strategic partnerships, and strengthen its convening power within the Inter-Party Committee and amongst all candidates vying for public office,” it added.
The report revealed that the IEC has, over the years, been plagued by many challenges due to its own making, namely the attitude that it is above the law, its unresponsiveness to probity and public criticism, and its unwillingness to engage stakeholders openly, and transparently.
“It has, in many instances, been defensive, combative, abstruse, and aloof. It must reverse this behavior, undermining its credibility and legitimacy as the election management body. The IEC is suffering from a trust deficit. It must, therefore, embrace and value its mandate, which goes beyond elections management, and realise that it is a service delivery institution accountable to all stakeholders,” the report added.
