Politics

We Will Review Controversial Electoral Act In January – Senate

Published

3 years ago

Jan 2, 2022.

…the National Assembly had on November 19, last year transmitted the Electoral Bill to the president with recommendations…

EKO HOT BLOG reports that President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has assured that the National Assembly, upon resumption on January 18, 2022, would review the Electoral Act Amendment Bill which was rejected by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Lawan who disclosed this on Saturday in a New Year message he personally signed, said the 1999 Constitution would also be reviewed in line with the current state of the nation.

Recall that the National Assembly had on November 19, last year transmitted the Electoral Bill to the president with recommendations on electronic transmission of election results and direct primaries for political parties.

However, controversy emerged when the president, through a letter addressed to both chambers, kicked against the recommendation of direct primaries for political parties on the grounds that it would violate the spirit of democracy in the country.

The president also cited insecurity as one of the major reasons for rejecting the bill. His action has generated controversy as most Nigerians excluding state governors tackled the president saying direct primaries remains the only way to allow citizens determine their leaders.

The Senate President said, “We believe that sustainable democratic governance demands a transparent and credible electoral process. Following the decision of President Buhari to withhold assent to the Bill, we shall make further consultations on the issues on our resumption of plenary in January 2022.”

Continuing, he added, “We are also looking forward to receiving the report of our Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution upon our resumption from recess. We believe that the outcome of this very important exercise will promote unity, stability and peaceful coexistence in our country”.

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