The Nigerian Senate took a major step toward improving the country’s electoral process on Thursday in Abuja, passing the Early Voting Bill for its second reading. Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yaradua (Katsina Central), the bill seeks to address the longstanding issue of voter disenfranchisement, particularly for those unable to cast their ballots on Election Day due to official duties.
Addressing Voter Disenfranchisement
The bill is a response to the significant number of eligible voters who were unable to participate in the 2023 General Elections, including:
Over 1 million Ad-hoc staff
310,973 police personnel
93,495 military and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel
51,000 National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) officers
21,000 Federal Road Safety Corps personnel
11,336 Nigeria Correctional Service officers
9,447 National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) personnel
350 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officers
144,800 observers deployed by 196 national and domestic organizations
Key Provisions of the Bill
Eligibility & Registration: Early voting will be available to security personnel, electoral officials, and other groups approved by the Electoral Commission. Eligible voters must apply at least 30 days before the early voting date.
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Implementation & Voting Procedure: Early voting will take place no more than seven days before the general election, with designated centers established by the Electoral Commission.
Bringing Nigeria in Line with Global Best Practices
The bill aims to align Nigeria’s electoral system with international standards, ensuring broader participation and protecting citizens’ voting rights. Several African countries—including South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, and Senegal—have successfully implemented early voting, leading to increased voter turnout and a more inclusive electoral process.
By adopting early voting, Nigeria moves toward a more efficient, secure, and accessible voting system that better serves all its citizens.
