IPAC wants presidential election, others conducted same day

The 2022 Electoral Act would require the Independent National Electoral Commission to hold the national assembly, state assembly, presidential, and gubernatorial elections on the same day, according to a proposal made by the Inter-Party Advisory Council on Monday.

The present staggered election system raises long-standing complaints about its cost-effectiveness and practical difficulties, which have given rise to the proposed replacement.

This was disclosed on Monday during a stakeholder meeting between the joint committees of the National Assembly’s two chambers and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

IPAC stated that the current system, which spreads the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state House of Assembly elections over multiple days, was economically unsustainable.

The nation, according to IPAC, experiences prolonged shutdowns during these staggered election periods, disrupting economic and academic activities.

“We propose an amendment to the Electoral Act that would require the conduct of all elections – presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state House of Assembly on a single day.

“The current staggered system of elections is not cost-effective, as the nation is almost always shut down for several days whenever elections are held. Furthermore, voter turnout usually declines after the first major poll in a staggered election cycle.

“A single-day election would reduce costs, minimise disruptions to economic and academic activities, maintain voter enthusiasm throughout the process, and address logistical challenges,” IPAC said.

The body also noted the logistical challenges of conducting elections across Nigeria over multiple days.

“A one-day election simplifies the process by reducing the need for repeated transportation and storing sensitive electoral materials. It also reduces the risk of logistical failures, delays, and the potential loss or mishandling of electoral materials.

“Conducting elections in one day aligns with international best practices and could enhance the efficiency, integrity, and cost-effectiveness of the electoral process in Nigeria,” it said.

According to IPAC, a single-day election is expected to maintain voter enthusiasm, ensuring that citizens remain engaged throughout the entire process.

It added that this approach would enhance the efficiency and integrity of the electoral process by reducing the chances of electoral manipulation and safeguarding voters’ rights.

It stated that while the 2022 Electoral Act introduced several positive reforms, it had also been criticised for its shortcomings.

Among the key issues highlighted by IPAC and other stakeholders were the absence of clear provisions for electronic transmission of results, inadequate clarity on the role of technology in elections, and insufficient safeguards against electoral manipulation.

“These challenges, coupled with the limited protection for voters’ rights and freedoms, have prompted calls for a comprehensive review and amendment of the Act,” IPAC said.

It emphasised that despite the continuous reforms introduced since the advent of the Fourth Republic, political actors had often found ways to circumvent or manipulate the process, necessitating ongoing adjustments to the electoral laws.

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