By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
Nigeria’s electoral process is on the verge of a significant transformation as the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2024 seeks to introduce early voting provisions. Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the bill aims to enfranchise Nigerians who are denied the opportunity to exercise their right to vote due to their duties on election days.
According to Senator Yar’adua, the bill is designed to address the disenfranchisement of over one million citizens who play critical roles in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections. These include INEC officials, security personnel, journalists, observers, and others who work on election day to uphold the integrity of the process.
The proposed amendment seeks to provide early voting opportunities for these individuals, ensuring that they can participate in the electoral process despite their duties on election day. The bill proposes that eligible individuals, including security personnel and electoral officials, can apply for early voting 30 days before the designated early voting date.
The implementation and voting procedure outlined in the bill involve setting a designated early voting date, not more than 7 days before the general election. Voting centers will be established in every ward, with early votes counted on the official election day.
Senator Yar’adua emphasized that early voting has been successfully implemented in other jurisdictions, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany. He noted that several African countries, such as South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, and Senegal, have also adopted early voting to improve electoral efficiency and increase voter turnout.
The senator highlighted that countries that have adopted early voting tend to have higher voter turnout rates. For instance, Ghana recorded a 79% voter turnout in 2020, while Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal also reported significant increases in voter turnout.
In contrast, Nigeria’s voter turnout has declined in the last three election cycles, from 43.7% in 2015 to 34.7% in 2019 and 27.1% in 2023. Senator Yar’adua emphasized that adopting early voting is necessary to enhance voter turnout, inclusivity, and electoral efficiency in Nigeria.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2024 has been read for the first time and is expected to undergo further legislative processes. If passed, the bill will mark a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative electoral system in Nigeria.
As Senator Yar’adua concluded, “The introduction of early voting is not just about convenience; it is about strengthening our democracy, improving voter participation, reducing electoral violence, and making elections more efficient and transparent.”
