By Citizenship News
The House of Representatives on Wednesday advanced sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system, approving key amendments to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill aimed at strengthening the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tightening election procedures and closing loopholes exposed in recent polls.
The bill was taken clause-by-clause at plenary, with lawmakers endorsing several provisions designed to enhance transparency, improve election management and reduce post-election disputes.
Clauses 3, 5 and 6, covering preliminary provisions and key interpretations, were approved to align existing definitions with current electoral realities.
The House also adopted Clauses 10 and 12, which reinforce INEC’s authority over the organisation, supervision and management of elections, including logistics and the deployment of electoral personnel.
Clauses 18 and 22 on voter registration and the compilation, maintenance and display of the voters’ register were approved with amendments targeted at curbing manipulation and ensuring broader inclusion of eligible voters.
Significant changes were made to Clauses 23 and 29, relating to party nominations and the submission of candidates’ lists to INEC. The amendments clarify timelines, strengthen compliance requirements and enhance INEC’s oversight of political parties.
Lawmakers further approved Clauses 31, 32 and 34, dealing with party primaries
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