The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is advocating for reforms to enable Nigerians living in the diaspora and inmates in correctional facilities to participate in voting.
The proposals also include provisions for essential service workers, such as security personnel and journalists, to vote during general elections, provided the National Assembly approves the reforms.
In a 75-page report on the 2023 General Election, prepared by a review committee led by National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus, INEC outlined several recommendations aimed at improving the electoral process.
The report, which was presented to the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, called for the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission and the Political Party Registration and Regulatory Commission.
It emphasized that a dedicated electoral offences tribunal would relieve INEC of the burden of investigating and prosecuting electoral offenders.
The report, based on consultations with political party leaders, civil society organizations, media, security agencies, and other stakeholders, identified various challenges in the electoral process.
These include political interference, low voter turnout, the conduct of polling agents and election observers, technological deployment, and increasing violence by the political class.
INEC made 142 actionable recommendations, including the need to clean the voter register by collaborating with agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to identify and remove deceased persons using advanced technology.
The report also highlighted the importance of legal reforms to enhance participation by underrepresented groups, particularly women and people with disabilities, in elective positions.
Additionally, INEC is pushing for amendments to the Electoral Act to address ambiguities and ensure that political parties cannot substitute candidates more than two weeks after the final list is published, except in cases of death.
The report also recommended improving the funding structure for INEC’s operations and replacing Permanent Voter Cards with electronic and temporary voter cards to enhance voter accessibility.
The commission stressed the need to modernize the voter identification process by introducing electronically downloadable voter cards, which would simplify access for eligible Nigerians.
These reforms, INEC believes, will strengthen the electoral system and foster greater inclusivity in future elections.
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