Breaking News: Drop Bill Threatening Jail Term for who Refuses to Vote, SERAP Urges N’Assembly

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called upon Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately withdraw a proposed bill that would impose jail time on eligible Nigerians who fail to vote.

SERAP strongly opposes the bill’s provisions, which include potential six-month jail sentences and/or fines for those who abstain from voting in national and state elections.

The organization argues that such a bill is “oppressive, impracticable, unnecessary,” and unlawful,” stating that the right to vote inherently includes the right not to vote.

Instead of compulsory voting measures, SERAP advocates for the National Assembly to focus on:

Amending the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act to remove constitutional immunity for state governors and their deputies who commit electoral offenses, such as vote-buying.

Explicitly prohibiting the appointment of political party members as resident electoral commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Including explicit mandatory provisions on internet voter registration, and the use of modern technology within the electoral process.

Amending the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral act to include explicit rights of eligible Nigerians to vote and vote securely.

SERAP contends that addressing voter apathy requires creating a safe and conducive electoral environment, combating the impunity of electoral offenders, and improving the overall electoral process.

SERAP has also indicated that if the bill is passed by the national assembly, and assented to by the president, that they will seek legal action to challenge the bill.

SERAP also focuses on other issues concerning the national assembly, including calling for a reduction in the budget for the national assembly and the presidency.

This report reflects the core message of SERAP’s statement, emphasizing their opposition to the proposed bill and their recommendations for alternative solutions to improve Nigeria’s electoral system.