The Nigerian Senate has kick-started plans to implement diaspora voting for Nigerians abroad.
This is as the Red Chamber announced plans to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to accommodate compulsory electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The proposed amendment will also include mandatory upload of results at the level of polling units as well as result sheets used at different levels of collation.
Diaspora voting is also being considered for presidential elections, particularly for citizens on essential service abroad, such as military, paramilitary, other security personnel and embassy staff.
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The move was contained in a communique Issued at the end of a two-day retreat for Senators of the 10th National Assembly, which was facilitated by The National Institute for Legislative And Democratic Studies in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
The senators also want the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), unbundled with a view to improving its efficiency and effectiveness in preparation and conduct of elections.
Sanctions for political parties who fail to submit the register of party members not later than 30 days before the date of party primaries, congresses, or conventions in relation to Section 77(3) of the Act which the political parties have observed in breach in the 2023 elections without penalty are also being proposed by the lawmakers.
The communique noted that the proposed amendments are aimed at addressing concerns raised by Nigerians after the 2023 elections.
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