The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has said that effective legal framework is key to credible elections in the country.
Dogara said this at a public hearing on the proposed further amendments to the Electoral Act 2010 organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja on Monday.
He said that with the examination of the 12 Bills proposing amendments to the 2010 Electoral Act, Nigerians in Diaspora may be able to vote in the 2019 election.
Among the Bills is one seeking to introduce electronic voting in Nigeria.
“The issue of legal framework for electronic accreditation, electronic voting and announcement of election results are some of the matters that should be settled in time before the 2019 general elections.
“Others are the place of Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines and regulations vis a vis the procedure for elections contained in the Electoral Act and the role of political parties in the nomination process,” Dogara said.
The speaker added that the proposed amendments were a direct result of occurrences during the 2015 elections and other circumstances which the existing legislation could not address.
“One of such is the last governorship election in Kogi state, where the leading candidate died after voting had commenced but before results were announced.
“Experience has shown that good electoral system governed by an efficient and effective legal framework is an inescapable prerequisite for the conduct of free, fair and credible election.
“It also guarantees the enthronement of good governance which will ensure peace and stability in the polity.
“Conversely, it is a globally established fact that a flawed electoral system is a huge threat to any democracy and can constitute an invitation to anarchy,’’ Dogara said.
He also urged the committee on constitution review to conclude alterations concerning the Electoral Act before the next election cycle.
“Permit me to use this opportunity to implore the Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review to conclude all alterations relating to electoral matters early in order to give INEC enough time to plan 2019 general elections.”
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Aishatu Dukku (Gombe-APC), said that a lot needed to be done to take the country to the point where elections were devoid of violence, fraud and abuse of process.
“A review of the 2015 general election indicates need for the National Assembly to take legislative steps to address identified challenges and plug the loopholes encountered with the conduct of elections,’’ Dukku said. (NAN)