The amended electoral act assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday makes crucial provisions for better elections in Nigeria. However, the act did not stipulate stiff sanctions for electoral fraud.
However, 10 crucial provisions of the amended electoral act that could make elections better in the country are summarized as follows:
- Clause 29(1) directs parties to conduct primaries and submit their list of candidates at least 180 days before the general elections.
Within this period, all petitions and litigation on the primary elections should be resolved.
2. Clause 65 empowers INEC to review election results declared under duress.
3. Clause 3(3) mandates the release of funds for general elections at least one year before the elections.
4. Clause 51 prescribes that the total number of accredited voters will become a factor in determining over-voting at election tribunals.
5. Clause 54(2) provides for people with disabilities and special needs.
6. Clause 47 authorizes use of smart card readers and any other voter accreditation technology that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deploy.
7. Clause 34 empowers political parties to conduct a primary election to replace a candidate who died during an election.
8. Clause 50 empowers INEC to adopt electronic transmission of election results.
9. Clause 94 provides for early commencement of campaigns – campaign can now commence 150 days to the election day and end 24 hours before the election.
10. Clause 84 stipulates that anyone holding a political office – ministers, commissioners, special advisers, and others – must resign one month before being eligible to participate in the party primary either as a candidate or as a delegate.
Some of the clauses appear reactionary but some positive sections raise hope of improved electoral process in the country.