Jonathan Calls for Major Electoral Reforms to Strengthen Nigerian Democracy.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system to strengthen democracy, promote accountability, and ensure credible elections.

Speaking through Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, at the National Action Plan for Electoral Reform Dialogue organized by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, he highlighted ongoing flaws in the system despite progress since the return to democracy in 1999.

Jonathan emphasized the need for structural changes to better reflect the people’s will and democratic principles. He proposed the creation of an independent Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to oversee internal party democracy and enforce discipline.

He expressed concern over the increasing trend of elected officials defecting from their parties without clear reasons or accountability, and suggested that the Registrar should have the power to declare such seats vacant  an approach already in use in countries like Kenya and Malawi.

He also called for reforms in how the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is appointed.

Jonathan recommended the establishment of an independent panel composed of representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia, trade unions, and professional organizations to handle the screening and nomination process.

He stressed that the credibility of elections largely depends on the neutrality and capability of INEC.