Proposed Electoral Act Amendments Seek Early Voting, Dual Result Transmission, and Shifted Timelines

Proposed Electoral Act Amendments Seek Early Voting, Dual Result Transmission, and Shifted Timelines

A draft bill proposing sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022 was debated at a joint public hearing on Monday, introducing measures for electronic and manual transmission of election results, optional use of permanent voter cards, early voting provisions, and a six-month advancement of election dates to resolve legal disputes ahead of inaugurations.

The amendments, if enacted, would mandate that presiding officers transmit polling unit results—including accredited voter totals—to collation centers both electronically and manually, as stipulated in Section 60(5) of the draft. This dual approach aims to enhance transparency and reduce disputes over result integrity.

Additionally, the bill makes permanent voter cards optional, allowing alternative accreditation methods, while introducing early voting under Section 2. This provision designates a specific date for early polling, no later than 14 days before election day, exclusively for eligible groups within Nigeria, including security personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, accredited observers, journalists, and temporary electoral staff.

A key highlight is the proposed shift of election timelines. Section 4(7) requires presidential and governorship elections to be held not later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s term on May 29, effectively moving the 2027 polls to November 2026 from the traditional February or March slot. Similarly, Section 4(5) applies the same 185-day buffer for National Assembly and state assembly elections ahead of legislative dissolutions.

Lawmakers argue that this adjustment would end the era of swearing in winners amid ongoing legal challenges. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, which hosted the hearing, emphasized that the November timing would provide ample opportunity to settle disputes. The committee also recommended slashing election tribunal judgment periods from 180 to 90 days and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

INEC has endorsed the proposals, praising them as advances in electoral transparency and efficiency. However, opposition parties expressed mixed reactions, with some questioning the motives and potential ramifications on voter turnout and logistics during the rainy season.

The draft bill is part of broader efforts to refine the 2022 Act, with stakeholders urging swift legislative action to bolster Nigeria’s democratic processes.