LG Polls: Coalition Opposes Reversal to Manual Voting in Kaduna

• A coalition of CSOs opposes KAD-SIECOM’s decision to revert to manual voting, arguing it undermines true federalism and electoral reform
• CSOs urge the Federal Government to empower State Independent Electoral Commissions for free and fair local government elections in Nigeria

Ahead of the Kaduna state local government elections scheduled for October 19, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has opposed the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission’s (KAD-SIECOM) decision to revert to manual voting.

During a joint press conference, Mr. Laurence Obeweh, the Founder/National Coordinator of ReSET Nigeria, and Mr. Bako Abdul, the National President of Campaign for Democracy, representing other CSOs, also voiced their concerns over the proposed elimination of the state independent electoral commissions (SIECOMs) and plans to centralize local government elections under a new federal body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They argued that this move contradicts the principles of true and fiscal federalism and meaningful electoral reform, and could further erode public trust and confidence in the electoral process.

The CSOs referred to the Justice Uwais report on electoral reform, which recommended decentralizing INEC into specialized institutions to manage different aspects of the electoral process. They urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to use the constitutional amendment process to empower SIECOMs by ensuring their financial autonomy and operational independence. They stated, “It is crucial for conducting free, fair, and credible local government elections that will reflect the popular will of the people.”