By Chioma Gabriel, Deputy Editor
The Nigerian Constitution Chapter VI, Section 134(2), stipulates that a presidential candidate will be deemed to have won if he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; must have not less than a quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two_thirds of all states in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
What this translates to, in a country with 36 states and over 70 Million registered voters, is that:
*The individual must have the majority of votes
*Must not have less than a quarter of votes in 24 states.
In most presidential elections, the first criterion is always satisfied but the hard nut to crack is the second criteria. According to the Constitution, when either or both of the criteria are not met, then there will be a run-off election in which:
*The individual with majority of the votes automatically qualifies to run against the first runner up (in a multiple contestant scenario like Nigeria) and other contestants drop off the race.
In today’s election therefore, it is expected that the total votes a candidate expects to receive is a function of the number of registered voters , voters’ turnout in each state/FCT, and the proportion of voters in each state/FCT that will vote for the party/candidate.
What the President and Vice-President will earn
Based on the revised revenue
package of certain political office holders which became effective in 2009, the President’s annual basic salary is N3, 514, 705 while his allowances add up to N8, 435, 292. The Vice President’s annual basic salary is N3, 013, 572.50 while his allowances add up to N7, 232, 574.00.
The president and his vice are entitled to pensions for life by virtue of section 84 sub-section 5 of the constitution, the hardship allowance was is 30%”,
Below is the breakdown of the allowances, as obtained from the official website of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMFC.
ITEMS ALLOWANCES
1. Accommodation 100%
2. Transportation 350%(loan)
3. Utility 20%
4. Domestic Staff 75%
5. Entertainment 10%
6. Furniture 300% (once in 4 years)
7. PA 25%
8. SA in kind
9. Fueling/Maintenance 30%
10. Recess 10%
12. Leave 10%
13. Hardship 30%