Ahead of the local government elections in 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly is making efforts to strengthen the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) law.
The amendment seeks to ensure the neutrality of electoral officials, including ad hoc staff, to mitigate the risks of malpractice and rigging.
During a public hearing on the bill on Monday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions, and LASIEC, Hon. Ladi Ajomale, highlighted critical gaps in the current electoral law.
“The current local government administrations in the State will conclude their tenure in a few months, and it is essential to implement necessary adjustments for credible and seamless elections,” he stated.
Key features of the proposed amendment include imposing penalties for violations of electoral law and mandating the timely release of funds to LASIEC to facilitate adequate election preparations.
Also, it outlines a procedure for the withdrawal of candidates, requiring formal written notice to LASIEC through the sponsoring political party at least 90 days before the election.
“This amendment will enhance LASIEC’s operations, equipping it to conduct free, fair, and credible local government elections,” Ajomale added.
Another significant provision is the inclusion of people with disabilities in the electoral process, reinforcing the State’s commitment to inclusivity in governance.
Welcoming members of the public to the public hearing, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat-Miranda, who represented the Speaker, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, remarked, “The frequency of these events showcases democracy at its best, indicating the excellence of this noble House.”
She noted that Lagos State, as a hub of progressive governance, aims to exemplify high democratic standards.
“We should take pride in the innovative laws being enacted in this State for the benefit of our people.”
Mrs Miranda asserted that the proposed amendments seek to elevate the State’s electoral practices.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized that the bill fine-tunes election administration to align with modern best practices, ensuring that the public can choose their leaders without interference.
“We are making strides to eliminate major obstacles in the electoral process,” she said, adding that the new amendments would leverage modern technology to amplify the voice and votes of the people.
A notable highlight of the bill is the introduction of a new section mandating LASIEC staff to swear an oath of allegiance and neutrality against accepting any form of bribery or undue influence.
The bill also emphasizes timely notification to LASIEC regarding candidate withdrawals or the death of a newly elected chairman.
In a remark, Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Debo Adeniran, urged the Assembly to ensure LASIEC operates independently of state government control.
He suggested that representatives from participating political parties and professional bodies be appointed to the Commission.
Mrs. Christiana Njoku from the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities stressed the importance of proper inclusion for people with disabilities in the electoral process.
Responding to the issues, the Deputy Speaker said the Assembly would ensure that the interests of the residents of the state were protected in the appointment of LASIEC members to guarantee the independence of the state electoral umpire.
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