Senate To Amend Electoral Act To Introduce Diaspora Voting, Mandate Electronic Transmission Of Election Results (DETAILS)

Senate To Amend Electoral Act To Introduce Diaspora Voting, Mandate Electronic Transmission Of Election Results (DETAILS)

In anticipation of the 2027 elections, the Senate is poised to amend the Electoral Act to facilitate diaspora voting, particularly for presidential elections.

This measure aims to enable citizens, especially those in essential services abroad such as military, paramilitary, security personnel, embassy staff, and other citizens, to exercise their voting rights.

Following their retreat in Ikot Ikpene, Akwa-Ibom state, the Senate released a communiqué outlining their resolutions. Among them is the decision to enforce electronic transmission of election results starting from the 2027 general elections. This includes the mandatory uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used in various stages of result collation.

During and after the election that ushered President Bola Tinubu into power, there were widespread calls for Nigerians abroad to participate in the electoral process. Similarly, many advocated for the electronic transmission of results from the BVAS machine.

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The Senate emphasized the importance of unbundling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in the planning and execution of elections.

The communiqué stated, “Relating to the use of technology in elections, remove the ambiguity evident in Section 64 of the EA22. Also, make electronic transmission of results mandatory from the next general elections in 2027, including the uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation.

“Introduce diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad, such as military, paramilitary, and other security personnel abroad, Embassy staff, and other citizens.

“Relating to political parties; stipulate sanctions for failure to submit the register of party members not later than 30 days before the date of party primaries, congresses, or conventions in relation to Section 77(3) EA22, which the political parties have observed in the breach in the 2023 elections without penalty.”

The 10th Senate emphasized the necessity of formulating and enacting a comprehensive national security strategy, delineating the country’s security goals, identifying threats, and setting policy priorities.

The Senate underlined that this strategy could provide a crucial framework for legislative measures in the security domain. It further pointed out that such a strategy would effectively tackle the underlying causes of terrorism and banditry, which are often rooted in issues like poverty, inequality, and a dearth of opportunities.

“Promote community policing and engagement to identify and prevent terrorist attacks. The government should also work with civil society organizations and local/ traditional communities to identify and address security concerns. “

The Senate added that it would, “ Establish independent oversight mechanisms for the security sector. These mechanisms can help to investigate allegations of abuse and corruption and to ensure that security forces are accountable to the law.”

The Senate further agreed that legislative engagement and oversight in Nigeria’s security sector can be significantly bolstered through comprehensive legislative reforms.

“These reforms are essential for ensuring that the legislative branch is equipped with the necessary tools and mechanisms to fulfill its critical role in security sector reform,” it explained.

The Senate concluded that “The periodic engagement of the National Assembly with the security chiefs for adequate briefing. There is a need for the Senate President and the Speaker, House of Representatives to be part of the weekly security briefing that goes to the President.”

In a bid to salvage the economic situation of the country, the Senate has proposed the enactment of an Emergency Economic Intervention Bill.

It explained that “This will address critical socio-economic issues concerning foreign exchange management, tackling inflation, stimulating economic growth, and creating more jobs.

“Enforce consequences for violations of any provisions of the law regarding monetary and fiscal matters.

“This will require amendments to the relevant laws to ensure effective oversight and enforcement of the consequences, as the case may be.”

Also agreed was the “need for legislation that clearly defines the taxing rights of the three levels of government.

“ Need for legislative intervention to promote the optimization of revenue from non-oil sources, especially in the solid mineral sector.”

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