A coalition of community development and professional associations across the country under the auspices of ReclaimNaija Grassroots Network, has called on the National Assembly to ensure that the outcome of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill reflects the views of the Nigerian people for free, fair and credible elections.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by over 20 organisations, the network said Nigerian citizens have, over the years, constantly expressed their desire for an Electoral Act that safeguards electoral integrity, free and fair elections in the country.
“We want an Electoral Act that puts an end to electoral fraud and malpractices. The Electoral Act must protect the mandate of Nigerian citizens and make sure that their votes count.
“It should also be one that ensures a level-playing ground for citizens and not one that favours the socio-economically privileged sections of the society. All these were expressed in the recent public hearings and consultations carried out by NASS,” the Network added.
It expressed concern over alleged attempts to introduce into the Electoral Bill 2021 clauses that undermine electoral integrity and the expressed will of Nigerian citizens, whose interests the legislators are supposed to be upholding in the National Assembly.
“We join other well-meaning Nigerians to demand the following:
Electronic Transmission of Results – Section 50 (2): We demand the electronic transmission of results from the polling units and reject any attempt to endorse manual transmission of results.
“Drastic Reduction in Campaign Finance Limits – Section 88: We reject the attempt to astronomically increase the limit for campaign expenses. This is because the high cost of running for office is one of the reasons why disadvantaged groups in our country such as women, youths, persons with disability and low-income earners are not able to contest for public office.
“It also contributes to electoral fraud and godfatherism so that sometimes the candidate that ends up emerging is the one who spent the most money and not necessarily the best candidate,” the statement read in part.
