(SINL NIGERIA) The Nigerian Senate on Thursday took a significant step towards enhancing the country’s electoral process by passing the early voting bill for second reading.
Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yaradua, representing Katsina Central, the bill aims to address the continuous disenfranchisement of eligible voters who are unable to cast their ballots on election day due to their duties and others deemed eligible by the commission to vote as early voters
The bill’s passage is a response to the alarming number of disenfranchised voters in the 2023 General Elections, which included: Over 1 million Ad-hoc staff, 310,973 police personnel, 93,495 Military and Department of State Service (DSS) Personnel, 51,000 Personnel from the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Others include, 21,000 from the Federal Road Safety Corps, 11,336 from the Nigeria Correctional Service, 9,447 from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency and 350 Personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Senator Yar’Adua noted that in addition, 144,800 Observers deployed by 196 national and domestic organisations were also unable to vote in 2023 general election.
Highlighting key provisions of the bill, the lawmaker added that “eligible individuals, including security personnel, electoral officials, and those deemed eligible by the commission, must apply 30 days before the early voting date.
Commenting on Implementation and Voting Procedure, Senator Yar’Adua said “a designated early voting date will be set, not more than 7 days before the general election, and voting centers will be established by the Electoral Commission”.
Meanwhile, Katsina Central Senator said “the bill’s passage is a significant step towards aligning Nigeria’s electoral system with international best practices and ensuring that all eligible adult citizens have the opportunity to perform their civic rights”.
According to Yar’Adua, several African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, and Senegal, have successfully implemented early voting, resulting in higher voter turnout rates.
“By adopting early voting, Nigeria can establish a more inclusive, efficient, and secure electoral process that better serves the interests of all Nigerians” he concluded.
