AfriPulse
The National Assembly has introduced a proposal in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act that would allow inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities to vote in elections.
Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader, disclosed this in a statement on Monday evening ahead of the resumption of the National Assembly from the Christmas break, adding that the proposed law would also mandate the release of funds for general elections at least one year before election day.
Bamidele further revealed that the Electoral Bill, 2025, contains no fewer than 20 defining highlights that would differentiate it from previous electoral regimes.
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“We have started the review of the Electoral Act, 2022, clause by clause to achieve this end. With the Electoral Bill, 2025, we have achieved quite a lot to improve how we manage our elections; enhance the credibility of the process, and ensure the political parties are accountable,” he said.
He noted that the vision is in line with the sustained public demands for an electoral system that will guarantee the security of votes. The Electoral Bill, 2025, introduces no fewer than 20 defining highlights that will eventually differentiate it from the previous electoral regimes.
“First, under Section 12(1–2), the Bill recognises the voting rights of prisoners and the obligations of the Independent National Electoral Commission to register all eligible inmates in all correctional facilities nationwide,” he revealed.
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“Also, under Section 3(3), the Bill mandates that funds for general elections must be released at least one year before the day of the elections. Obviously, this reduces uncertainty that often clogs the operation of the INEC and strengthens its independence.”
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
