Uphold fairness, transparency in electoral administration – CJ tells TSIEC
Public Confidence in Electoral Process Essential for Democracy, Says Chief Judge
JALINGO, Nigeria — Chief Judge Agya emphasized the critical role of public confidence in the electoral process for the health of democratic governance during a meeting with members of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) on Thursday. He warned that a decline in this confidence could undermine the legitimacy of public institutions beyond the electoral sphere.
Addressing the commission during their courtesy visit at his office, Agya described TSIEC as a vital component of the state’s democratic framework. He highlighted the importance of local government as the level of administration closest to the populace.
“Public confidence must be earned through transparency, consistency, and adherence to electoral regulations,” Agya stated. He stressed the need for fairness in the treatment of political parties, candidates, and voters, and urged that electoral procedures be clearly communicated, with decisions made free from fear or influence.
The Chief Judge noted that the credibility of elections relies not only on the final results but also on the fairness of the processes leading to those results. He urged TSIEC to enhance the capacity and discipline of its personnel through continuous training, voter education, accurate documentation, and effective communication with political parties and stakeholders.
Agya called on the commission to focus on removing barriers to electoral participation, especially for women, individuals with disabilities, youth, and residents of remote areas. He recommended prioritizing the prevention of electoral disputes through clear guidelines, timely information dissemination, and consistent enforcement of electoral regulations.
Regarding the relationship between TSIEC and the judiciary, Agya reaffirmed the courts’ commitment to fair and impartial justice. He assured that electoral disputes brought to the courts would be resolved based on law and evidence. “Every party will receive a fair hearing, and all matters will be handled with the independence and neutrality required of the judicial office,” he added.
However, Agya also emphasized that the interplay between the commission and the judiciary must respect their distinct constitutional responsibilities. He highlighted that while cooperation is beneficial for lawful administration and public awareness, it should not jeopardize judicial independence.
“The Judiciary does not conduct elections, and the Commission does not adjudicate disputes. Each institution has its own mandate,” Agya noted. “Yet, both institutions serve the same constitutional framework and share the common goal of upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust.”
In a related update, TSIEC Executive Chairman Bala Aji revealed that the commission is currently preparing for bye-elections to fill vacant councillor positions in the state, resulting from the deaths of two councillors and the resignation of another.
