Expedite passage of Early Voting Bill – #FixPolitics urges NASS

By Musa Baba Adamu

#FixPolitics Africa has urged Nigerian lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Early Voting Bill and ensure its smooth implementation.

The organization stated that the success of the bill is crucial in protecting the rights of all citizens to participate in the democratic process.

This was stated on Tuesday in a statement by the Executive Director of #FixPolitics Africa, Anthony Ubani, who stressed that no Nigerian should be denied the ability to vote due to the nature of their work.

The statement follows the progress of the bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, which recently passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate.

Ubani said the moment presents an opportunity to highlight the importance of advancing Diaspora Voting, urging the National Assembly to give it the attention it deserves, alongside efforts to enhance the application of iRev technology in elections.

He said: “We welcome the progress of the Electoral Act (Amendment – Early Voting Bill) 2024, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, which recently passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate.

“This bill seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to allow eligible Nigerians on essential duties, such as security personnel and election monitors, to vote in advance, ensuring they are not disenfranchised due to work commitments. The success of this bill is crucial in protecting the rights of all citizens to participate in the democratic process, reinforcing the principle that no Nigerian should be denied the ability to vote due to the nature of their work. We commend the bill’s sponsor and urge lawmakers to expedite its passage and ensure smooth implementation.

“A robust and inclusive public hearing is essential to refine the bill further. Stakeholders, including voters, civil society, the media, and political parties, should have the opportunity to provide input. Key considerations include whether early voting should be extended to journalists, security guards, and domestic workers, as well as ensuring that implementation is transparent and effective.

“Additionally, this moment presents an opportunity to emphasise the importance of advancing Diaspora Voting. While this is a separate legislative issue, it remains critical for ensuring full electoral inclusion. We urge the National Assembly to give it the attention it deserves, alongside efforts to enhance the application of iRev technology in elections.

“Strengthening electoral integrity is crucial for Nigeria’s democratic growth. While incremental reforms like this bill are valuable, lasting solutions require comprehensive constitutional reform, even if it necessitates the emergence of a new constitution to be ratified through a referendum by citizens.”