Senate amends Electoral Act, seeks same-day elections to cut costs

Senate amends Electoral Act, seeks same-day elections to cut costs

A bill aimed at amending the Electoral Act 2022 to mandate same-day nationwide elections as a cost-saving measure and to combat voter apathy passed its second reading in the Senate on Thursday.

If enacted, this legislation would align with the advocacy of the current INEC chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and his predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who have both supported the idea of conducting general elections on the same day in Nigeria.

The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act, 2022 to provide for the participation of elected office holders as Statutory Delegates, provide for the schedule of election to hold on same day and reduce the period of campaign in election and for other related matters, 2025“ was sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC – Kwara Central).

The bill among others seeks to shorten the campaign period to ease financial burdens on political parties, candidates, and the government and allow elected political office holders (such as the President, Vice President, Governors, and legislators) to serve as ad hoc delegates during party congresses.

Senator Mustapha in his lead debate, lamented the soaring financial burden of elections on the government, noting that the cost of general elections had skyrocketed from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N350 billion in 2023.

“The current staggered election process is expensive and inefficient. Conducting all elections on the same day will save cost, boost voter participation, and reduce political tension,” he said.

Mustapha urged Nigeria to take a cue from countries like the United States, India, and Brazil, where same-day elections have led to more streamlined and cost-effective electoral processes.

Some Senators in their contributions supported the Bill saying that consolidating elections into a single day would reduce voter fatigue, enhance credibility in the electoral process and minimise disruptions to governance caused by staggered elections.

However, others raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s capacity to conduct all elections in a single day.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole in his submission said that: “While the bill has good intentions, we must ensure that INEC is adequately prepared for the enormous task of conducting elections for all levels of government in one day.”

He also cautioned that multiple ballot papers on a single day could cause confusion, especially among illiterate voters.

The bill, if passed into law would represent significant electoral reforms in Nigeria by cutting election costs while deepening democracy by encouraging greater citizen participation and reducing economic losses from prolonged election cycles.

After its passage for second reading, the Bill was referred to the Senate Committee on INEC for legislative work and to report back in four weeks.

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