Reps back 10-year ban from contesting elections for vote buying
The decision was taken during the clause-by-clause consideration of the report of the House Committee on Electoral Matters at the Committee of the Whole, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
The new provision states that result transmission must be carried out simultaneously with physical collation, strengthening safeguards against manipulation.
Lawmakers further amended the sanctions for presiding officers who deliberately breach procedures on counting, announcement, and transmission of polling unit results. A new Section 60(6) prescribes a minimum fine of N500,000 or at least six months’ imprisonment, or both, for any presiding officer who willfully contravenes the provisions.
The House also approved a clause mandating the release of election funds to INEC at least one year before a general election, in a bid to enhance early planning and efficient conduct of polls.
In another adjustment, the House extended the deadline for political parties to submit their list of candidates to INEC from 180 days to 210 days before an election, allowing the Commission more time for processing.
The House further approved provisions allowing the use of electronically generated voter identification, including downloadable voter cards with unique QR codes, or any other identification prescribed by INEC, for voter accreditation and voting.
Consideration of the remaining clauses of the Electoral Act amendment bill is still in progress.
