The National Assembly has expressed its readiness to review and amend the country’s electoral laws to enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, following a request from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for legislative backing in its efforts to improve future elections.
The Chairman of the INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a briefing with members of the Senate and House of Representatives, outlined various challenges faced by the Commission in the recent elections, particularly in relation to the use of technology, logistics, and security concerns. He emphasized the need for updated legal frameworks to support technological innovations and address emerging issues in the electoral process.
Yakubu disclosed that INEC had implemented a range of reforms, including the use of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the introduction of electronic transmission of results, which had significantly improved transparency. However, he stated that some loopholes in the current electoral laws hindered the full potential of these innovations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who chaired the meeting, assured the INEC team of the National Assembly’s commitment to reviewing the electoral laws to accommodate necessary reforms. He noted that the lawmakers were particularly concerned about issues related to electoral violence, vote-buying, and the late arrival of materials in some states during the last elections.
“We will work with INEC to ensure that our electoral laws reflect the current realities of our society, particularly in the areas of technology, security, and the general conduct of the electioneering process,” Akpabio said.
House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, also supported the call for electoral reform, stating that the legislature was committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. He revealed that the House was already in the process of drafting new amendments to the Electoral Act to better support INEC’s efforts.
Political analysts have hailed the move as a positive step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. However, they cautioned that any amendments must be carefully deliberated to prevent any political manipulation and ensure that the reforms truly benefit the electorate.
As discussions continue, stakeholders are urging the National Assembly to prioritize the review of the electoral laws ahead of the upcoming general elections, ensuring that future polls are more efficient, credible, and secure.
