Senate asked to adopt open ballot system for election of presiding officers

The Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN), a pro-democracy group, has asked the senate to adopt an open ballot system to elect the president of the senate and deputy.

During the inauguration of the 10th national assembly in June, the senate used a secret ballot system to elect its presiding officers, while the house of representatives used an open ballot system.

On Tuesday, the upper legislative chamber amended its rules to prevent first-time senators from contesting any presiding officer role.

In a statement on Friday, Adamu Ibrahim, north-east coordinator of the group, said an open ballot system would “entrench democracy”.

“The amendment of senate rules to stop first time senators from contesting as presiding officers is a welcome development that should be applauded by all Nigerians,” Ibrahim said.

“The decision of the 10th senate is in line with the best legislative global practice where leaders of assemblies are mentored by their assemblies.

“We are calling on the Nigerian senate to revisit the mode of electing the presiding officers.

“Section 3 subsection (i) states that ‘voting by secret ballot shall be conducted by the clerk-at table using the list of senators-elect of the Senate, who shall each be given a ballot paper to cast his/her vote’.

“We therefore draw the attention of the senate to note that both developed and developing countries operate an open ballot system and Nigeria should not be an exception in entrenching democracy, a system we proudly laboured for.

“We therefore call on the Senate to amend this section, making it a rule for the Senate to elect their presiding officers only through an open ballot system.

“We once again collectively commend the leadership and members of the 10th senate for their foresight.”