DO YOU KNOW THAT…

According to the Electoral Act of 2010 and the proposed Electoral Bill, there is a maximum limit on election expenses that can be incurred by candidates and the violation of same attracts a penalty against the defaulting candidate.

Section 91(2-7) of the Electoral Act 2010 provides;

(2)    The maximum election expenses to be incurred by a candidate at a Presidential election shall be N1,000,000,000

(3)    The maximum election expenses to be incurred by a candidate at a Governorship election shall be N200,000,000.

(4)    The maximum amount of election expenses to be incurred in respect of Senatorial seat by a candidate at an election to the National Assembly shall be N40,000,000 while the seat for House of Representatives shall be N20,000,000.

(5)    In the case of State Assembly election, the maximum amount of election expenses to be incurred shall be NI0,000,000.

(6)    In the case of a Chairmanship election to an Area Council, the maximum amount of election expresses to be incurred shall be ten million naira N10,000,000.

(7)    In the case of Councillorship election to an Area Council, the maximum amount of election expenses to be incurred shall be one million naira N1, 000,000

 

Section 91(10) also provides for the penalty in case of a breach of the above provision

(10)A candidate who knowingly acts in contravention of this section commits an offence and on conviction is liable in the case of –

(a) Presidential election, to a maximum fine of N1,000,000,00 or imprisonment for a term of 12 months or both;

(b) a Governorship election to a fine of N800,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of 9 months or both;

(c) Senatorial election in the National Assembly election to a fine ofN600,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of 6 months or both;

(d) House of Representatives election in the National Assembly election, to a fine of N500,000,00 or imprisonment for a term of 5 months or both;

(e) a State House of Assembly election to a fine ofN300,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of 3 months or both;

(f) in the case of Chairmanship election, to a fine of N300,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of 3 months or both; and

(g) Councillorship election, to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a tern of one month or both.

It is without doubt that the above provisions are aimed at reducing the cost of elections in Nigeria. Do you think this objective was achieved with the just concluded election?