Breaking: Senate Begins Special Session On Electoral Act Reform

According to Ireporter Online, the move comes amid concerns that the scheduled dates for the presidential and National Assembly elections may coincide with the Ramadan fasting period. The House of Representatives is also expected to commence a similar special sitting, as lawmakers in both chambers prepare to take critical decisions on pressing national issues.

A notice issued by the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, indicated that the proposed timetable could potentially affect voter turnout, particularly in regions with significant Muslim populations. The overlap, the notice suggested, may pose challenges to broad participation during the 2027 general elections.

Lawmakers are therefore seeking to harmonise the electoral calendar with national and religious considerations to promote inclusiveness and ensure wider participation in the polls. Central to the recommittal of the Bill is a proposal to reduce the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days. Parliamentary sources disclosed that the proposed adjustment is aimed at introducing greater flexibility in scheduling elections while remaining consistent with constitutional provisions.

The latest development has heightened public interest in electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both chambers of the National Assembly under growing pressure to produce amendments that reflect national consensus and strengthen democratic participation.