By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The House of Representatives has approved key amendments to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill aimed at strengthening the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), improving transparency and reducing election-related disputes.
At plenary on Wednesday, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, lawmakers conducted a clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, adopting provisions to address gaps identified in recent elections.
Key amendments to Clauses 10 and 12 reinforce INEC’s authority over the organisation, supervision and management of elections, including logistics and personnel deployment.
Changes to Clauses 18 and 22 seek to tighten voter registration processes and safeguard the integrity of the voters’ register, while Clauses 23 and 29 clarify timelines for party nominations and submission of candidates’ lists.
The House also adopted Clauses 31, 32 and 34 on party primaries, publication of candidates’ details and qualifications, as well as Clauses 47, 50 and 54 to strengthen the legal basis for voter accreditation and the use of technology in elections.
Amendments to Clauses 60 and 62 addressed the declaration, collation and transmission of results to reduce post-election disputes.
Provisions on electoral offences and penalties were adopted under Clauses 64 and 65, while Clauses 71, 73 and an amended Clause 74 streamlined election petition processes and dispute-resolution timelines.
Consideration of Section 51 was, however, deferred, as it was not contained in the committee’s report.
Adopting the report as a working document, Kalu said the amendments were necessary to close gaps exposed during the 2023 general elections and to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
He noted that the review seeks to strengthen INEC’s independence and capacity to deliver free, fair and credible elections.
