Luke’s Bill to establish National Institute for Electoral Studies passes second reading
The Bill for an Act to establish the National Institute for Electoral Studies (NIES) sponsored by the Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke passed second Reading on the floor of the House today.
Mr Luke while leading the debate said that the Institute when established will serve as an intellectual centre for academic research and professional training on electoral studies and election management to facilitate effective democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Given the important place and role of election in the heart of democracy, having an institute particularly dedicated for purposes of studying and researching on election will ensure the smooth and proper planning, execution and conduct of elections in Nigeria” Luke said.
He further argued that the many challenges facing the conduct of elections from operational and logistics concerns, security, mutilation of result sheets and other related incidents in Nigeria will be properly managed with the help of the proposed institute.
“During the last General Elections, citizens had travelled to different parts of the country in anticipation of the election and public holiday declared only for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to inform the public few hours to commencement about the postponement of the elections. The postponement caused serious social, financial, economic and political consequences”
The bill which passed the first reading in July of this year, received support from other members and was read a second time. It has been referred the Committee on Electoral Matters.
