National Assembly Advances 2025 Electoral Act Reforms to Boost Transparency,Digital Voting

By: Julian Osamoto

National Assembly has stepped up efforts to amend the 2022 Electoral Act, with lawmakers debating reforms aimed at improving election credibility, digital transparency and public trust ahead of future polls.

At a one-day retreat in Abuja, the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters began harmonising proposed changes before a final version is forwarded to both chambers for consideration.

Committee Chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, said the new Electoral Bill 2025 must restore public confidence by resolving loopholes exposed in recent elections and address emerging political and technological realities.

“Our duty is to ensure a law that responds to today’s electoral challenges while preparing for future trends,” he said, stressing that the review must promote fairness, accountability and a level playing field for all parties.

Key Proposals Under Review

One major point of debate is whether certain groups—including security personnel, accredited journalists, INEC staff and election observers—should vote ahead of the general electorate.

Previous committee sessions in Lagos did not support the proposal, but members said it could be revisited if new evidence is presented.

Delegates also revisited the voting rights of prison inmates. While a Lagos session opposed it on logistical grounds, members acknowledged a court ruling recognising the constitutional right of inmates to vote, suggesting the issue may require further legal clarification.

Push for Stronger Digital Safeguards

Lawmakers discussed clearer legal backing for electronic transmission of election results to ensure transparency and remove ambiguity over manual and digital collation.

Other proposals considered include:

Harsher penalties for trading voter cards

Improved procedures for voter card replacement

Stronger procurement rules

Updated and clearer legal definitions for devices such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)

Possible Constitutional Amendments Ahead

A technical report presented by Clement Nwankwo of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre noted that some proposals, including expanded voting eligibility and election petition reforms, may require constitutional amendments rather than simple legislative revisions.

Lawmakers Promise Timely Delivery

Co-Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, said Nigerians expect a more responsive and future-ready electoral law in 2025, and the committee intends to deliver within set timelines.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, also addressed the retreat, presenting the Commission’s position on the reforms.

SEO HEADLINE

National Assembly Pushes Major Electoral Reforms to Strengthen Digital Voting

META DESCRIPTION

Nigeria’s National Assembly is reviewing significant amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act to improve digital result transmission, close legal gaps and enhance election transparency ahead of future polls.

KEYWORDS

Nigeria elections, Electoral Act amendment, National Assembly, BVAS, digital voting, INEC, electoral reforms, prison voting rights, vote buying penalties, electronic transmission

CAPTION

Lawmakers review key reforms to strengthen election transparency and digital result transmission.

ALT TEXT

National Assembly committee members deliberating electoral reform proposals in Abuja.