Electoral Act: Opposition lawmakers slam move to adopt senate version
Opposition lawmakers in Nigeria's House of Representatives criticize proposed amendments to the Electoral Act that would shift the bill's focus towards the Senate version.
Opposition lawmakers in Nigeria's House of Representatives have vocally opposed the decision to amend Clause 60 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which originally mandated real-time transmission of election results from polling units to a central viewing center. The push to amend this clause follows escalating pressure on the House, leading the Committee on Electoral Matters to propose that the amendment be rescinded. This move has created a rift among legislators, with opposition members advocating for the earlier version that ensured electronic transmissions, while ruling party members support adopting the Senate's version of the bill.
During Tuesday's session, tensions flared as Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu aligned with the ruling party in favor of the Senate's proposal, resulting in uproar from the opposing legislators. Protest chants against the ruling party's stance, namely βAPC β ole!β, echoed through the chamber, reflecting the deep divisions on this issue. The controversy highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding electoral reforms in Nigeria, where transparency and credibility of elections are hotly debated topics.
The National Assembly has set up conference committees in both the Senate and the House to reconcile the two differing versions of the bill, indicating that significant discussions are necessary to reach a consensus. The outcome of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's electoral integrity, particularly regarding how election results are transmitted and perceived by the public, emphasizing the need for robust electoral processes in the country.