The Digest:
The Nigerian Senate has passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill following a five-hour clause-by-clause deliberation on Wednesday. Among the key changes, lawmakers reduced the required notice period for elections from 360 to 180 days. The Senate retained the existing provision on electronic transmission of results but ruled out making real-time transmission mandatory. Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that electronic transmission remains part of the law and denied reports that it had been removed. A joint committee will now harmonize the bill with the House of Representatives version before it is sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Key Points:
- Shorter election notice periods could impact planning timelines for INEC, political parties, and voters.
- Retaining, but not strengthening, electronic transmission provisions may limit perceived gains in electoral transparency.
- The legislative process reflects ongoing tensions between technological reform and political caution in Nigeria’s electoral system.
- Harmonization with the House version will determine the final shape of the amended law ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Public and stakeholder confidence may be influenced by how changes are communicated and implemented.
The passage marks a legislative step forward, though the extent of actual reform will depend on the harmonized version and presidential assent.
Sources: The Cable
