Code of Conduct for Electoral Officials

A Code that defines ethical standards for electoral officials, focusing on impartiality, integrity, and accountability in elections. It applies to INEC staff and ad hoc workers. This maintains the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process.

What Is This Policy?

A code that defines the ethical standards and professional conduct expected of all INEC officials and ad hoc staff involved in the administration of elections, covering impartiality, integrity, and accountability.

Who Does It Target?

INEC permanent staff involved in elections Ad hoc staff (corps members, teachers, and others) serving as election officials INEC training and disciplinary teams Election observers monitoring official conduct

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Ensure the integrity of the electoral process by binding all election officials to standards of impartiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Key Features

Impartiality: Officials must not show preference for any party, candidate, or voter Confidentiality: Protection of sensitive electoral information and materials Accountability: Responsibility for electoral materials and accurate recording of results Prohibited Conduct: Ban on accepting bribes, manipulating results, and engaging in partisan activities Reporting: Obligation to report irregularities and misconduct

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active for all elections Coverage: All INEC officials and ad hoc election staff Lead Agency: INEC Training: Code is part of mandatory pre-election training for all officials

How to Access

All election officials receive and sign the code. The code is distributed during pre-election training Officials sign an oath of impartiality before deployment

Official Resources

Website: inecnigeria.org Contact: INEC Headquarters, Abuja

Legal Framework

Issued under the internal governance mandate of INEC established by the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022, which is the principal electoral statute. Operates alongside the Code of Conduct for Public Officers (Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution), the ICPC Act, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Elections. Aligns with ECOWAS Democracy and Good Governance Protocol on electoral administration.