Nigerian Senate Advances Bill for Early Voting

The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill aimed at amending the Electoral Act to allow early voting for individuals unable to vote on election day due to their duties. Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, the bill targets over one million citizens, including INEC officials, security personnel, and journalists, who are currently disenfranchised. The proposed amendment seeks to ensure these essential workers can vote by introducing early voting provisions, allowing applications 30 days before designated voting dates. During the debate, Senator Yar’adua emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the electoral process and highlighted how early voting has successfully boosted voter turnout in other countries. The bill has garnered support from various senators and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further review. This legislative move is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing Nigeria's electoral integrity and aligning it with international best practices.