CSOs to senate: We’ll occupy n’assembly if electoral bill isn’t passed

The Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Expansion of Electoral and Democratic Space (ACCESS), a coalition, has threatened to occupy the national assembly if the electoral act amendment bill is not passed soon.

In a statement on Tuesday, the coalition said the passage of the bill is the most important legislative business before the senate.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan had promised that the electoral act amendment bill would be passed before the end of the first quarter of 2021.

However, the bill has not been passed yet.

The coalition said the legislation has provisions for the digitalisation of the electoral process, adding that this will curb destruction of the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the country.

“This is due to the fact that the senate signposts electoral reforms as one of the cardinal points of her constitutional review,” it said.

“We are also concerned with the ongoing arson and destruction of the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which is casting doubts already on the 2023 general elections. We are of the view that the passage of the electoral act (amendment) bill remains the panacea for this ugly developing situation.

“This is more or less based on the fact that the bill contains fresh provisions for digitalisation of the electoral process.

“We hereby give notice that if both houses of the national assembly (the senate and the house of representatives) continue their reluctance to the question of passage of the electoral act (amendment) bill, we will be left with no choice but to activate #OccupyNASS2 to push our demands.”

Those who signed the statement are Ariyo-Dare Atoye, Center For Liberty; Ayo Ademiluyi, Movement for Socialist Alternative; Princess Hamman-Obels, The Electoral Hub; Simi Olusola, Aspilos Foundation; and Jude Feranmi, Raising New Voices.