The following are the functions of the electoral commission:
(i) Conduct of election: It is involved in the conduct, organisation and administration of elections in a country.
(ii) Registration of voters: The electoral commission is responsible for the registration of eligible voters for any election. 3. Division of a country into constituencies
(iv)Type of voting: The electoral commission decides the type of voting system to be adopted.
(v) Provision of electoral materials: It provides ballot boxes, ink, papers and other needed election materials.
(vi) Registration of political parties; It has the power to screen and register political parties for elections.
(vii) Display of voters' register: It displays voters' register after registration.
(viii) Revision of voters' list: This is also one of the functions of the commission
(ix) Appointment and training of electoral officials: The commission is also mandated to recruit and train electoral officials for elections.
(x) Provision of polling booths: This is done in all the constituencies before the commencement of elections.
(xi) Enlightenment campaign: It is the function of the commission to educate and enlighten the people on the importance and processes of elections.
(xii) Counting and announcing of election results: The commission does the counting of votes after the election and also announces the final results.
(xiii) Provision of security; It works hand in hand with security operatives in making sure that enough security is provided during the elections.
(xiv) Grants to political parties: The commission is responsible for disbursing the federal government grants to all registered political parties.
5(b) Likely problems that may hinder the success of the electoral commission in Nigeria:
(i) Appointment of officials: Recruitment of officials making up the commission ought to be appointed through election, but if appointed by the executive, it can hinder the success of the commission
(ii) Political interference: This can affect the efficiency of the commission, if there is political interference in the affairs of the commission.
(iii) Independence of the commission: If the commission is not independent of the other arms of government e.g executive and legislature.
(iv) Appointment of honest, trustworthy and reliable officials: If these qualities are not found, it can hinder the success in Nigeria.
(v) Remuneration: If the remuneration of the officials are not adequate, constant, etc., and not paid from the consolidated fund.
(vi) Security of tenure: Lack of security of tenure can also hinder the success of the commission.
(vii) Merits: Officials of the commission should be appointed on merit, but when this is not done, the successes of the commission would be hindered.
(viii) Funding of the commission: If the funding is not from a central body but from the executive arm of government.
(ix) Dismissal of the officials: There are likely to be a hindrance if the executive arm of government is involved in the dismissal of the officials of the commission.