Preparations underway for legislative elections

Nigerians go to the polls tomorrow (Saturday) to elect a civilian two-chamber National Assembly comprising a 109-seat Senate and 360-seat House of Representatives, news organisations reported. Rival candidates are holding final rallies for elections, which have been overshadowed by preparations for the presidential poll on 27 February.

One of the most pressing tasks ahead for members of Nigeria’s legislature will be to agree on a new constitution. Up to now it has consisted mainly of “bits from 1979, inherited from Obasanjo’s regime, along with various military decrees, many of them arbitrary”, an observer told AFP today (Friday). There has been speculation in the press that the military intends to devise a new constitution before handing over power in May, although it is unclear whether it will cater to military or civilian interests, AFP said.

The legislative elections are the third step in Nigeria’s transition to civilian government after nearly 15 years of military rule. The fourth and final step will take place when Nigerians elect a civilian president. Local and state elections have already been held.