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Nigeria
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Last updated: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 14:00:18 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
c. The Electoral Management Body
Last updated: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 14:00:55 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
c. Compactness of constituencies
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
e. Geographic size of district
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Comments: Combination of all
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:50:39 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
a. Total population
Last updated: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 14:05:37 GMT
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Hanna Berheim
b. Job Title: Research Assistant
c. Organisation: International IDEA
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:37:14 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
e. Recall
Comments: C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly." C:69 "A member of the Senate or of the House Representatives may be recalled as such a member if - (a) there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member; and (b) the petition is thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8 and 69
Last updated: 2006-12-31 10:25:29 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:19:50 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:19:50 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:19:50 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:19:50 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:69 "A member of the Senate or of the House Representatives may be recalled as such a member if - (a) there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member; and (b) the petition is thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 69
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:20:43 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:20:43 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:20:43 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:20:43 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:37:14 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:37:14 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:37:14 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:37:14 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly;"
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8(1)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:38:12 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: C:8 "(3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8(3)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:36:14 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
f. Devolution
j. Other (specify)
Comments: j) Creating a new state or a local government area. C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
Last updated: 2006-12-31 10:25:29 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:25:41 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
j. Other (specify)
Comments: j) Only matters concerning the creation of a new state or a local government area can be subject to referendums.
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:25:41 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
a. Devolution
Comments: C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:42:40 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
b. Approval quorum 50/75
Comments: b) It depends, if the referendum concerns the creation of a new state or of a local government area. C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
Last updated: 2006-12-31 10:25:29 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:47:34 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
b. Qualified majority (specify % below)
Comments: b) Simple or two-thirds majority. It depends, if the referendum concerns the creation of a new state or of a local government area. C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
Last updated: 2006-12-31 10:25:29 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:47:34 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: b) C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:47:34 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:47:34 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
f. Other (specify)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:49:41 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:51:00 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-30 17:51:00 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
a. Members of the national legislature
Comments: C:69 "A member of the Senate or of the House Representatives may be recalled as such a member if - (a) there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member; and (b) the petition is thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 69
Last updated: 2006-12-30 18:04:19 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: f) The citizens' loss of confidence, as shown in a petition. C:69 "A member of the Senate or of the House Representatives may be recalled as such a member if - (a) there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member; and (b) the petition is thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 69
Last updated: 2006-12-31 10:25:29 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:37:14 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
a. Within a certain time limit (specify)
Comments: a) Within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition. C:69 "(b) the petition is thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency."
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 69(b)
Last updated: 2006-12-31 10:25:29 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:37:14 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-12-30 18:12:03 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-12-30 18:12:03 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-12-30 18:12:03 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-12-30 18:12:03 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
b. Proportion of the electorate X
Comments: b) Simple majority of the registered voters at the most recent elections. C:69 "A member of the Senate or of the House Representatives may be recalled as such a member if - (a) there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member;"
Source: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 69(a)
Last updated: 2006-12-31 10:25:29 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:38:16 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: Bye-elections, Recall-Referendum. (Legislators)
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:59:47 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
c. The legislature
Comments: It is independent
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:41:31 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Last updated: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 13:29:04 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:42:57 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: 5 year term
Last updated: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 13:37:51 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
g. Other
Comments: Nominated by the President and then subject to approval of Chamber 1.
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:47:02 GMT
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Comments:
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:44:09 GMT
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:44:47 GMT
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Requirement: Absolute majority or 25% of the votes from 2/3 of the states. Constitution, Article 133 and 134: (1) A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have be been duly elected, where, there being only two candidates for the election - (a) he has the majority of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. (2) A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being more than two candidates for the election- (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. (3) In a default of a candidate duly elected in accordance with subsection (2) of this section their shall be a second election in accordance with subsection (4) of this section at which the only candidate shall be - (a) the candidate who scored the highest number of votes at any election held in accordance with the said subsection (2) of this section; and (b) one among the remaining candidates who has a majority of votes in the highest number of States, so however that where there are more than one candidate with majority of votes in the highest number of States, the candidate among them with the highest total of votes cast at the election shall be the second candidate for the election."
Source: Constitution, chapter 6, article 133 and 134.
Last updated: 2004-05-28 08:43:58 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is Head of State as well as the Head of Government.
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:47:59 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 14:03:17 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Last updated: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 08:44:33 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Last updated: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 08:45:05 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 08:45:26 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:16:41 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:17:09 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Last updated: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 08:47:15 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable Na
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:25:35 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:19:35 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable Na
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:24:56 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 08:50:51 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 08:51:18 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:23:48 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:24:09 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: 4 Years
Last updated: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 08:52:24 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: 4 Years.
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:53:48 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:26:35 GMT
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:27:14 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
Comments: State elections
Source: Electoral Act of 2002, introductory remarks
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:11:21 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-21 20:46:57 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:29:39 GMT
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:30:26 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Source: Electoral Act of 2002, article 39
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:11:21 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
c. Judiciary
Last updated: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 13:25:18 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
Last updated: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 13:25:40 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: A government owned print or electronic medium shall give equal access on daily basis to all registered political parties or of such political parties. However, election observation missions reported that the time in both printed and broadcasted media was not actually allocated equitably (see links below) http://www.cdd.org.uk/resources/elections/nigeria_election_analysis_2003.htm http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/human_rights/eu_election_ass_observ/nigeria/rep03.pdf
Source: Electoral Act of 2002, article 94
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: International IDEA, Political Finance Database http://www.idea.int/parties/finance/db/country_print.cfm?CountryCode=NG
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:13:54 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
c. Regional distribution requirement
Comments: About $1000
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:04:37 GMT
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
c. Regional distribution requirement
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:05:01 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
h. Minimum level of education
Comments: f. Registration as a Voter
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 16:19:17 GMT
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
h. Minimum level of education
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 08:36:00 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
h. Minimum level of education
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 08:41:32 GMT
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
c. Criminal record
e. Offences against electoral law
f. Holding of military office
g. Holding of government office
h. Bankruptcy or Insolvency
k. Mental health problems
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 08:46:42 GMT
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
c. Criminal record
e. Offences against electoral law
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 08:48:12 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
a. Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 08:49:08 GMT
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:11:13 GMT
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:11:39 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:12:12 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
Comments: Provision in the constitution to be implemented.
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 08:51:50 GMT
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:13:54 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:14:14 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:03:15 GMT
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
a. General party administration
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:03:51 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:04:49 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:17:54 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of party contributions received
b. Public disclosure of party expenditure
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:06:47 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:20:52 GMT
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:22:21 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed)
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:23:02 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:23:31 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
a. Separate ballots for different elections
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
r. Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results
s. Copies of results are provided to party agents
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 13:18:45 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
b. Sub-district level
c. District level
d. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: Depends upon the type of election. Sub-distric level: Ward District level: Local Government Regional level: State
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:28:34 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:30:08 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:31:41 GMT
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
f. Certificate of result
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:33:12 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
e. Accompanied by election officials
f. Accompanied by party representatives
h. Accompanied by police or other security personnel
i. Accompanied by observers
Comments: i) If desired by them.
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:34:50 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 10:14:45 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 10:15:06 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
a. Political parties
b. An individual candidate
f. Other
Comments: Courts
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:38:45 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
a. National Election Management body
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 10:16:52 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
d. Not applicable Na
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 14:09:11 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 10:17:24 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:00:57 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
e. Yes, conducted by the Government
j. Yes, conducted by the Media
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 16:06:41 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
c. Simulation exercises
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 16:10:01 GMT
Voting Operations
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
a. Yes
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:56:40 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:57:09 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:12:02 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 09:58:57 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 10:00:23 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 10:00:23 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
g. Not applicable
Comments: Electors can not vote in advance.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 14:03:58 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:16:23 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 500
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 09:16:58 GMT
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 10:02:29 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 3
b. The largest polling station: 3
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 10:35:25 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 08:50:11 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 15:56:01 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 16:00:11 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Independent National Electoral Commission.
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 16:01:20 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 08:56:32 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
c. Periodically (or before each election)
Last updated: Thu, 08 Nov 2001 16:02:16 GMT
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
Last updated: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 08:58:13 GMT
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
