All Electoral Disputes Will Be Concluded Before Swearing In – Reps

All Electoral Disputes Will Be Concluded Before Swearing In – Reps

The House of Representatives is working to amend Nigeria’s Electoral Act to reflect the aspirations of its citizens. According to the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, the 10th Assembly has introduced a bill aimed at closing loopholes that contribute to electoral malpractices and ensuring inclusivity in the political process.

A Commitment to Reform

In an interview with Arise News, Balogun highlighted the commitment of the Tajudeen Abbas-led House to enacting people-focused legislation. He stated that the proposed amendments would make provisions for diaspora voting, better representation for women in parliament, and greater inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“We are determined to provide Nigeria with an electoral act that ensures free, fair, and credible elections. It will also guarantee that all election-related litigations are resolved before swearing-in. We’re addressing inclusivity in terms of age, gender, and disability,” Balogun said.

He added that the bill seeks to introduce measures such as one guaranteed female representative per state in the House of Representatives, which previously failed during the 9th Assembly but is now under serious consideration.

Innovative Provisions for Voting Access

The amendments aim to broaden voting access by introducing provisions for inmate voting and early voting for essential workers, including security agents. Balogun explained that individuals in minor detention and workers on duty during election day should not be disenfranchised.

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“Inmates in countries like Ghana and South Africa have voting rights. We are working to ensure similar provisions in Nigeria,” he stated. “Additionally, essential workers such as police officers will be allowed to vote early, likely a week before the general election, to ensure inclusivity.”

The bill also prioritizes accessibility for persons with disabilities by eliminating barriers to their participation in elections.

Strengthening Political Party Democracy

Balogun noted that the proposed reforms would address internal democracy within political parties. The amendments will empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor party primaries and congresses to ensure transparency and fairness.

“The internal workings of political parties are critical. We are introducing clear rules to eliminate ambiguities. INEC will oversee congresses and primaries, ensuring venues, committees, and processes are well-defined and adhered to,” he said.

Reducing Litigation and Ambiguity

The House is also focused on reducing pre-election litigations by ensuring that electoral laws are explicit and unambiguous. Balogun emphasized that this would shorten the litigation period and promote faster resolution of disputes.

“Ambiguities in the law often lead to unnecessary court cases. By removing these ambiguities, we can save time and strengthen public trust in the electoral process,” he explained.

The House’s efforts to amend the Electoral Act reflect a broader commitment to fostering inclusivity and credibility in Nigeria’s democratic process. If passed, these reforms will mark a significant step toward ensuring free and fair elections that cater to the diverse needs of Nigerians, from diaspora voters to marginalized groups.

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With the legislative process underway, the amendments promise to create a more inclusive and transparent electoral framework, aligning Nigeria’s democratic practices with global best standards.

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