The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC, has come under scrutiny with a highlight of major ailments threatening its conduct of fair and credible elections in the state.
By the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law (AKISIEC) of 2007, the Commission is an Election Management Body (EMB) empowered to organize, conduct and supervise Local Government elections and render advise to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on compilation of voters register among other salient responsibilities
Elder Anietie Ikoiwak, the AKISIEC boss speaking during a 2-day training/enlightenment exercise for the 2024 Local Government elections in Akwa Ibom State in Uyo, identified incongruent legal framework contrary to AKISIEC’s existence.
According to him, ‘‘The first obstacle here is that following the enactment of the 2022 Electoral Act, the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law (2007), has become obsolete and incongruent with some express provisions of the new electoral act. One of the issues involves the number of days required for giving notice of elections.
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‘‘Worthy of note also, is that the Electoral Act, 2010 did not separate the time frame for issuance of election notice from what is applicable with national elections.
‘‘The 2010 law covered Local Government or SIEC elections but the 2022 act has clearly separated Area Council (or LGA) elections from national elections, so States must either make or amend their laws to align with current realities.’’
Commenting on early preparations, the former INEC Commissioner said ‘‘Elections, being a process rather than an event, requires pre-emptive, organized and efficient management if the end goal is to be achieved. We cannot therefore over emphasize the need for early action as required per time.
‘‘This clearly explains the basis for this training and enlightenment workshop, which serves to kickstart the process of preparations for the 2024 Local Government elections in Akwa Ibom State.’’
On availability of funds, Ikoiwak stated that ‘‘Election is a time-bound activity that is strictly regulated by legal timelines that cannot be subverted or implemented in the breach. There must therefore, be timely release of election funds as one of the major guarantees for free, fair and credible elections.’’
To ease the challenge, he opined quick release of funds as a first line charge to aid the commission in the proper planning and conduct of the election.
The AKISIEC umpire said based on the existing challenges and anticipated solutions, experienced professionals were selected tp present lectures on the topics: Emerging Issues with Conducting Local Government Elections in Nigeria, Election Security: Before, During and After the Elections and the Legal Framework for Local Government Elections in Akwa Ibom State.
Ikoiwak commended the present Board for carrying out robust grassroot sensitization and mobilization of stakeholders and the electorate for continuous voters registration and collection of permanent voter cards; creation and re-alignment of 39 additional wards in the state (after more than 20 years) in year 2020 and successful conduct of two Local Government Area elections (in 2017 and 2020) with an established date of 7th December of each election year, for swearing in of newly elected officials of the 3rd tier of government.
‘‘It is worth mentioning that the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has consequentially chosen AKISIEC among the six (6) Commissions out of 36, for consistent partnership with – particularly in the area of training,’’ he pointed out.
The AKISIEC boss, however, assured that the Commission would take practical measures to ensure security before, during and after this year’s elections, noting ‘‘This is why the full cooperation and partnership of security agencies will continue to be strongly solicited for at all times.’’
On the stakeholders’ perception, Ikoiwak said ‘‘AKISIEC has managed to maintain a generally positive perception of its performance in elections management from within and outside the State. Despite this, it is our plan to do more by improving the efficiency of AKISIEC and thereby build on public trust and the confidence of the electorate.’’
