Breaking News: Bill to Hold All Elections Same Day Gets Closer to Becoming Law
Yesterday, lawmakers voted in favor of the bill to synchronise all elections, paving way for committing it to the relevant committee as well as to organise public hearing for it on its way to becoming law.
If passed into law, it will ensure simultaneous conduct of all general elections, including those for the President, State Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Area Councils, on a single date.
The proposed legislation is sponsored by 36 lawmakers, including Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, seeks to amend Sections 76, 116, and 132 of the Constitution.
The bill introduces new provisions that require the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine a single date for all general elections, in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act.
The specific amendment proposed by the bill states that “all elections into the offices of the President, Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Area Councils shall hold simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act.”
After a thorough deliberation, the bill was put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, who presided over the session.
The majority of lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, paving the way for its progression in the legislative process. The House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, presented the bill for its second reading, marking a crucial step towards its potential enactment into law.
The proposed amendment seeks to streamline the electoral process, reducing the complexity and costs associated with multiple election dates. By synchronizing the timing of general elections, the bill aims to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process, ultimately strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
