The House of Representatives has approved significant amendments to the Electoral Act, imposing stricter penalties to combat vote buying and selling, in a move aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
The amendment was adopted during a clause-by-clause review of the House Committee on Electoral Matters’ report, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
# Tougher Penalties for Vote Trading
Under the new amendment, anyone involved in vote buying or selling will face a minimum sentence of two years in prison, a fine of N5 million, or both.
Additionally, those convicted of vote trading or illegal voter card transactions will be banned from running for office for 10 years, replacing the previous penalties that capped fines at N500,000 or two years in prison.
# Strengthening Election Results Transmission
The amendment also mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit polling unit results electronically to the IREV (Integrated Results Viewing) portal in real-time. This move is designed to reduce opportunities for result manipulation by ensuring results are available simultaneously with physical collation.
# Sanctions for Electoral Officials
The revised law introduces stricter penalties for presiding officers who intentionally violate election procedures, such as during vote counting or result transmission. A minimum fine of N500,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both will apply to electoral officers found guilty of deliberate misconduct.
### Early Funding and Fraud Prevention
To ensure better election preparation, the amendment stipulates that INEC receive election funds at least one year prior to general elections. Additionally, penalties for multiple voter registration have been increased, with offenders facing fines of at least N100,000, one year’s imprisonment, or both.
### Changes for Political Parties and Voters
The amendment extends the deadline for political parties to submit their candidate lists to INEC, from 180 to 210 days before elections.
The use of electronically generated voter identification, including downloadable voter cards with unique QR codes approved by INEC, has also been authorized.
The House is still in the process of considering the remaining clauses of the Electoral Act amendment bill.
Source: Gistreel.com
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