Former Bayelsa State governor and member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Seriake Dickson, has called for a fundamental reform of Nigeria?s electoral framework to strengthen transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Dickson said one of the key proposals under discussion in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act is to ensure that the burden of proof in election disputes rests with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rather than with candidates or political parties.

?The burden of proof in electoral matters must shift to INEC. That is where it rightly and properly belongs,? Dickson said. ?We should not subject it to the normal evidential rule that says, he who alleges must prove. How can you prove something you don?t even know? INEC is the electoral body conducting elections. It appoints people a candidate or party has no control over, yet it does whatever it does ? juggles figures and announces results, makes cancellations, and explains to no candidate or party.?

Dickson, who presided over the joint retreat of the National Assembly?s Committee on Electoral Matters in Lagos, said lawmakers from both chambers spent the day debating proposals aimed at restoring credibility to Nigeria?s electoral process.

?We?ve been in Lagos discussing amongst ourselves, arguing, agreeing, and disagreeing ? all in the national interest,? he said. ?Over 50 members of the National Assembly, senators and representatives, attended the retreat. It was lively, very engaging, and full of ideas. What?s encouraging is that there are no party divisions; across party lines, we are united in ensuring that the reforms strengthen INEC, the parties, and all stakeholders.?

The former governor stressed that the goal is to ensure elections no longer ?belittle the country? through violence, manipulation, and the subversion of voters? will.

?Elections should be moments where we rediscover ourselves as a nation and celebrate what is best about us ? not moments where people kill, maim, or write non-existent figures to win without the people?s mandate,? he said.

Dickson noted that the committee is exploring how to reorganize the legal framework, strengthen oversight mechanisms, and ensure adequate funding for INEC to deliver credible elections.

?We can?t talk of democracy if we can?t at least strive to have free and fair elections,? he said.

On the issue of political defections, Dickson distanced himself from the recent wave of cross-party movements, particularly in Bayelsa State, saying such actions undermine public trust.

?I?ve made my position clear ? I?m not in support of defections, and that?s not my direction,? he stated. ?We may need to rework the laws and constitution to prescribe consequences for defections, while also emphasizing greater respect for values and principles. Public service should go beyond serving oneself.?

Dickson reaffirmed that the ongoing deliberations at the committee level do not yet represent the final position of the National Assembly, but said Nigerians can expect ?a comprehensive and far-reaching reform package? once the process is concluded.

?It?s a big project,? he said. ?By the time we finish and it goes to plenary, Nigerians will get to see what we are working on.? (AriseNews TV)

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