House Reps to pass Independent Candidacy bill, 36 others into law

The National House of Representatives is making it a matter of priority to unveil the independent candidacy amendment bill to be signed into law.

The Green chamber listed 36 other bills‘ priorities for a constitutional amendment as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

Among the key proposals are independent candidacy, establishment of state police, creation of an electoral offenses commission, special legislative seats for women, constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, citizenship by investment, and local government autonomy.

These are the categorisations of the 37prioritized constitution amendment bills below:

Electoral Reform

Bill 1: “Introduces independent candidacy and lowers barriers for women candidates.”

Bill 2: “Strengthens SIEC independence and expands its electoral responsibilities.”

Bill 3: “Establishes an Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute election crimes.”

Judicial Reforms

Bill 4: “Reduces Supreme Court workload and speeds up election petition resolution.”

Bill 5: “Regulates appellate court jurisdiction and sets timelines for appeals.”

Bill 6: “Allows elevated judges to conclude part-heard criminal cases.”

Security and Policing

Bill 7: “Provides constitutional backing for State Police.”

Bill 8: “Grants financial autonomy to the Armed Forces.”Local Government Reforms

Bill 9: “Recognizes local governments as a constitutionally distinct tier of government.”

Bill 10: “Creates independent auditors-general for local governments.”

Citizenship and Inclusion

Bill 18: “Provides gender-neutral citizenship rights for spouses.”

Bill 19: “Introduces citizenship by investment.”

Bill 20: “Creates additional legislative seats to improve women’s representation.”

Legislative Reforms

Bill 21: “Institutionalizes legislative bureaucracy and strengthens legislative administration.”

Bill 22: “Requires early submission of annual budget estimates.”

Bill 23 “Allows newly elected lawmakers to be sworn in after inauguration.”

Bill 24: “Establishes procedures for removing State Assembly presiding officers.”

Bill 25: “Removes executive authority to alter laws for constitutional compliance.”

Devolution of Powers

Bill 26: “Moves tourism matters to the concurrent legislative list.”

Human Rights and Social Protection

Bill 27: “Provides stronger constitutional protection for children.”

Bill 28: “Expands the definition of torture and degrading treatment.”

Bill 29: “Protects unborn children by replacing death sentences for pregnant women with life imprisonment.”

Bill 30: “Recognizes the right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment.”

Transparency and Accountability

Bill 31: “Mandates annual financial reporting by government agencies.”

Bill 32: “Requires public disclosure of auditor-general reports.”

Bill 33: “Expands representation in the Federal Civil Service Commission.”

Public Service and Representation

Bill 34: “Guarantees at least one State Assembly member per local government.”

Bill 35: “Separates the Governor’s mandate from the Deputy Governor’s qualification issues.”

Traditional Institutions

Bill 36: “Establishes State Councils of Traditional Rulers.”

Bill 37: “Provides statutory funding for traditional institutions through local government allocations.”