Electoral Reform

Proposition

Independent Electoral Commission
- Constitutionally guarantee independence similar to Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
- Create a multi-stakeholder appointment panel (judiciary, Parliament, civil society, religious bodies).
- Set fixed, non-renewable terms for commissioners to reduce political pressure.
- Ensure NEC budget is voted directly by Parliament, not the executive.
- Require professional qualifications in law, elections, governance, ICT, and conflict resolution.
Transparent Vote Counting & Results Transmission
- Simultaneous paper and electronic results transmission (Kenya model).
- Publish results per polling station on a public portal in real time.
- Mandate a national results verification center with all party agents present.
- Introduce traceable serial numbers for ballot boxes and seals.
- Use tamper-evident materials and independent auditing.
Fair Campaign Environment
- Equal access to national media for all candidates.
- Clear guidelines on use of state resources: vehicles, security, media time.
- Impartial policing of rallies and political gatherings.
- Non-discriminatory issuance of campaign permits.
Campaign Finance Reform
- Mandatory disclosure of all donations, including sources and amounts.
- Spending caps for candidates and parties.
- Public funding for political parties based on performance and inclusivity.
- Strict penalties for illicit funding or vote-buying.
Voter Registration & Roll Management
- Continuous and automated voter registration linked to NIDA.
- Periodic public audits of voter register with independent verification.
- Mechanisms for diaspora voting.
- Mandatory publication of complete voter roll for public review.
Electoral Dispute Resolution
- Specialized Electoral Courts independent of regular judiciary.
- Fast-tracked election petitions with strict timelines (example: Ghana).
- Clear legal standards for annulling elections.
Observer Access & Civil Society Participation
- Guarantee access for domestic and international observers.
- Strengthen civil society support for civic and voter education.
- Protect whistleblowers and election monitors.
Use of Technology
- E-results transmission only (no electronic voting at this stage).
- Biometric verification at all polling stations.
- Digital monitoring tools for observers and journalists.

Current Challenges

📋

Lack of Independence of NEC/ZEC

Commissioners appointed solely by the President. Lack of multi partisanship in key electoral decisions.

🎓

Unequal Campaign Conditions

Restrictions on opposition rallies. Use of state media and security agencies in favor of ruling parties.

💰

Problems with Results Management

Delay in announcing results increases suspicion. Polling station results not always publicly available.

🗺️

Weak Campaign Finance Regulation

Vote-buying common at local levels. No transparency on party or candidate funding

📊

Public Distrust in Electoral Dispute Resolution

Few precedents of successful election petitions. Perception that courts favor the incumbent.

🤝

Outdated Legal Framework

Key laws (e.g., Political Parties Act, Election Act) do not reflect modern democratic expectations.

Demands

Legal & Constitutional Reform
- Amend Constitution to restructure NEC.
- Rewrite Election Act, Political Parties Act, and Broadcasting Act.
- Define campaign finance rules.
Institutional Strengthening
- Recruit new commissioners through transparent public process.
- Build an independent NEC secretariat staffed by non-partisan professionals.
- Establish Electoral Court.
Technology & Transparency Systems
- Deploy results transmission system with public portal.
- Strengthen cybersecurity and verification mechanisms.
- Train staff nationwide.
Public Participation & Oversight
- Civic education campaigns to explain reforms.
- Civil society monitoring during implementation.
- Parliamentary oversight of NEC performance.