CSOs ask n’assembly to give priority to reform of electoral law

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has asked the national assembly to fulfil its promise of passing the electoral act amendment bill.

The coalition made up of five CSOs said the national assembly will be doing the nation a great service if it considers reforming the electoral law as a priority.

The CSOs said though the national assembly has commenced work on the bill, the process has not received the urgency and the attention that it deserves.

“But in light of recent public commitments made by some national assembly members and principal officers, including the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, towards ensuring that electoral reform tops its priority list as the national assembly reconvenes, we are therefore optimistic that indeed, a timely and practical constitutional and electoral reform framework will be laid and achieved by December 2020,” the CSOs said.

Banke Ilori Oyeniyi, a Raising New Voices Initiative, who spoke on behalf of the CSOs, said the reform of the electoral act will not only help the democratic growth of the country but also mitigate the challenges affecting the electoral process.

“Elections remain the most fundamental aspect of democracy across the world, its evolution and improvement can only be measured in terms of processes, procedures, technology and outcome. We believe these parameters are critical to an improved level of trust and confidence of citizens in the democratic process,” she said.

“Nigeria’s electoral process has become a shadow of itself and inspires very little hope and confidence for the future. The challenges have also undermined Nigeria’s democratic credentials among the comity of nations.

“The impact of our flawed elections can only be imagined by its monumental impact particularly because it has impaired our ability to deliver on the promises of democratic dividends and economic prosperity to our greatest population. Electoral manipulation, rigging and violence have become the unique identity of our political culture.

“The atmosphere always surrounding our electoral process has been that of heightened uncertainty, fear and distrust laying precedence to all the ills affecting the growth and development of Nigeria.”

The CSOs are YIAGA Africa, Centre for Liberty, NESSACTION, Raising New Voices Initiative and Millennials Active Citizenship Advocacy Africa.