The Joint Committee on Electoral Matters has proposed significant cuts to the salaries of legislators and executive members as part of a broader effort to reduce government spending and improve electoral processes.
The proposal on Monday put forward during an interactive session led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters Senator Sharafadeen Alli suggests a 30 percent reduction in the salaries of legislators and a 40 percent cut for executive members.
This recommendation is part of the committee’s review of the National Assembly’s approach to the Electoral Act 2022, aiming to address cost concerns and streamline government operations. The session also saw discussions on how to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of elections in Nigeria.
One major proposal from political parties during the session was to consolidate all elections presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly into a single day. They argue that the current system of staggered elections is not cost-effective and that conducting them on one day would reduce expenses and administrative burdens.
Additionally, political parties advocated for linking the continuous voter registration process with the National Identity Number (NIN). This change is intended to enhance security and cut costs associated with voter registration.
Among the 35 proposals presented by the IPAC Chair during the three-day retreat, one significant suggestion is that the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman should no longer be under the sole purview of the executive branch. Instead, it should be opened to a wider pool of candidates through a public advertisement process, aiming to ensure greater transparency and fairness in the selection.
In response to these discussions, Alli assured that the committee would engage with INEC and seek feedback from a broad spectrum of Nigerians. This approach is designed to minimize disruptions and address any potential issues to ensure smoother and more equitable elections in the future.
