Senate Debates Electoral Act: Proposes Same-Day Elections to Cut Costs and Boost Voter Turnout
ABUJA — The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill to amend the Electoral Act 2022, proposing that all elections be held on the same day to reduce costs and enhance voter participation. The bill, which passed its second reading on March 27, 2025, aims to streamline the electoral process by consolidating presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative elections into a single day.
Background: Rising Election Costs
The cost of conducting general elections in Nigeria has skyrocketed from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023. This significant increase is seen as unsustainable and a major drain on national resources. Senator Salihu Mustapha, the sponsor of the bill, emphasized the need for reform to mitigate these costs and improve the electoral process.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Same-Day Elections: The proposal seeks to hold all elections on the same day to reduce expenses associated with prolonged campaigns and staggered voting. This approach is modeled after successful implementations in countries like the United States, India, and Brazil.
- Shortened Campaign Periods: The bill aims to shorten campaign periods to ease the financial burden on political parties and candidates. Prolonged campaigns often disrupt governance and fuel unnecessary political tension.
- Inclusion of Elected Officials in Party Conventions: The legislation proposes granting elected officeholders, including the president, vice president, governors, and national assembly members, the right to serve as ad hoc delegates in their party’s conventions. This provision corrects what is seen as an oversight in the current Electoral Act.
Senate Debate and Reactions
During the debate, senators expressed support for the bill, citing its potential to:
- Curb Electoral Malpractice: Consolidating elections into a single day could reduce opportunities for electoral manipulation.
- Enhance Voter Participation: Same-day elections are expected to boost voter turnout by simplifying the voting process.
- Minimize Disruptions to Governance: Staggered elections often cause prolonged political tension and disrupt governance; same-day elections could mitigate these effects.
However, some senators raised concerns about the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manage such a large-scale exercise. Senator Adams Oshiomhole emphasized the need for INEC to be adequately prepared to avoid logistical challenges, such as confusion among voters due to multiple ballot papers.
Next Steps
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further scrutiny and deliberation. If passed, it would mark one of the most significant electoral reforms in Nigeria’s history, potentially transforming the country’s electoral landscape by reducing costs, enhancing efficiency, and deepening democracy.
