The Nigeria House of Representatives has advanced efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral system with the clause-by-clause consideration and adoption of key provisions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, aimed at strengthening the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tightening electoral procedures and addressing shortcomings observed in recent elections.
At plenary last ,Wednesday, lawmakers approved wide-ranging amendments designed to enhance transparency, improve the conduct of elections and reduce post-election disputes across the country.
Clauses 3, 5 and 6 of the bill, which relate to preliminary provisions and interpretation, were adopted to align existing definitions with evolving electoral practices and realities.
The House also approved Clauses 10 and 12, which reinforce INEC’s authority over the organisation, supervision and management of elections, including logistics and the deployment of electoral personnel nationwide.
In a bid to curb manipulation and ensure greater inclusion of eligible voters, lawmakers adopted Clauses 18 and 22, dealing with voter registration and the compilation, maintenance and display of the voters’ register, with amendments to strengthen safeguards in the process.
Significant amendments were made to Clauses 23 and 29 on the nomination of candidates by political parties and the submission of candidates’ lists to INEC. The revisions seek to clarify timelines, enforce compliance and enhance INEC’s oversight of political parties’ internal processes.
Clauses 31, 32 and 34, which address party primaries, the publication of candidates’ particulars and qualifications for elective offices, were also approved, as part of measures to tackle pre-election irregularities and disputes.
The House further adopted Clauses 47, 50 and 54, relating to voting procedures, voter accreditation and the use of technology in elections, reaffirming the legal backing for INEC’s deployment of electronic systems in the electoral process.
Clause 60, as amended, focuses on the declaration of election results, while Clause 62 strengthens provisions on the collation, transmission and custody of results, aimed at reducing controversies arising from election outcomes.
In a tougher stance against electoral malpractice, lawmakers approved Clauses 64 and 65 on electoral offences and penalties, including provisions targeting vote-buying and other violations of the Act.
Clauses 71 and 73, which deal with election petitions and timelines for the resolution of disputes, were also adopted, while Clause 74 was approved with amendments to further streamline post-election legal processes.
The House, however, deferred consideration of a contentious clause, indicating that further consultations would be held before a final decision is taken, as the bill moves closer to passage.
