Jennifer Adams
Sat, Sep 9, 2023 4:25 PMCalls for Strengthening and Amending Electoral Act: Human Rights Activist Urges Reform
Top NewsEarn Max 30 Coins💰 Get coins immediately after reading this article
FCT, Abuja - Connected Development (CODE) Chief Executive Officer, Hamzat Lawal, has called for the strengthening and amendment of Nigeria's Electoral Act. This plea comes in the wake of the presidential election petition tribunal's ruling in favor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Lawal, the recent election highlighted the need to further strengthen and remove any ambiguities in the Electoral Act. He particularly emphasizes the importance of incorporating technology into the electoral process and making it admissible in court.
The activist stresses the need to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and safeguard it from political interference. He argues that a strong and independent INEC is essential for preserving the integrity of elections and preventing manipulation by politicians.
Lawal elucidates, "We also need to strengthen INEC so that politicians cannot interfere or unduly influence voters' decisions. In the 2023 election, all political parties were complicit, attempting various tactics to interfere in the process."
One of the key issues Lawal highlights is the delay in prosecuting electoral offenders due to loopholes in the Electoral Act. He asserts the necessity of empowering law enforcement agencies to bring offenders to justice swiftly. He believes that strengthening the Electoral Act will not only ensure INEC's independence but also provide the necessary leverage for law enforcement officers to prosecute those attempting to undermine the electoral process.
Discussing the way forward, Lawal urges Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form an alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential polls. This strategic alliance could present a formidable opposition and promote democratic consolidation.
The proposed reforms by Hamzat Lawal aim to enhance the credibility and integrity of Nigeria's electoral system. By removing ambiguities, embracing technology, and empowering INEC, the electoral process can become more transparent and resilient to political interference. Additionally, the timely prosecution of electoral offenders would serve as a deterrent, preserving the sanctity of elections and promoting a culture of accountability.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-09 News
More detailed, more comprehensive, fresher news, please visit OOO NEWS.