The Senate is working on changing the Electoral Act to allow Nigerians on essential duties to vote before election day.
This move is aimed at ensuring that those who must work during elections, such as security officers and medical personnel, can still participate in the voting process.
The proposed amendment is included in a bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua from Katsina Central.
The bill has passed its second reading in the Senate and has been sent to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further review.
The committee is expected to present its findings in four weeks.
During the debate, Senator Yar’adua pointed out that many Nigerians are unable to vote because of their job responsibilities on election day.
He stressed that the bill seeks to correct this by giving them the chance to vote early.
Other senators also shared their views. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from Ondo South stated that preventing any citizen from voting weakens democracy.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro from Benue South added that adjusting voting arrangements could make elections smoother.
The bill, if passed into law, will introduce a clear process for early voting, including who qualifies and how it will be conducted.
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