The delineation of constituencies is a major duty of the __________

1. Analyze the question The question asks which body is mainly responsible for delineating (marking out or drawing the boundaries of) constituencies. This is a Government question on electoral administration.

2. Explain the concept A constituency is a geographical area whose voters elect a representative to a legislative body. Delineation is the process of dividing the country into such areas, usually based on population and geography, so that each representative speaks for roughly the same number of people.

In Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution (Third Schedule, Part I) gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the power to "divide Nigeria into Federal constituencies" and to review and alter those divisions. This is why the electoral commission is the body responsible for delineation today.

3. Step-by-step solution

• Option A, electoral commission: INEC has the constitutional duty to delineate constituencies, and also to register voters and conduct elections. This fits.
• Option B, boundary commission: This is the tricky option. In some countries (the UK, for example) a separate Boundary Commission does this work. In Nigeria, the National Boundary Commission deals with boundary disputes between states and international borders, not electoral constituencies.
• Option C, national assemblies: They make laws and do not draw constituency lines.
• Option D, political parties: They sponsor candidates and have no power to delineate constituencies.

4. Answer The correct option is A. electoral commission.

5. Exam tip Link the words: delineation of constituencies → elections → electoral commission (INEC). Remember that the Boundary Commission handles boundaries between states and countries, while the Electoral Commission handles boundaries of electoral areas. In JAMB, choose the option that matches the Nigerian context.