The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC,) says it would soon present to the joint committees of the 10th Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters eight items of electoral reforms for consideration.
Chairperson of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, who disclosed this on Thursday, during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Commission in Abuja, said the eight items are part of the 142 identified recommendations from the report of the 2023 general elections.
He said 86 of the 142 recommendations require administrative action by INEC, which prompted Thursdays meeting with the RECs, who play a frontline role in the implementation of the recommendations. According to him, of these, 86 require administrative action by the Commission, 48 depend on collaboration with stakeholders such as security agencies and civil society organisations, while eight involve legislative amendments by the 10th National Assembly.
Yakubu noted that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, (BVAS), has highlighted the need for a more streamlined process.
He suggested the possibility of replacing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with computer-generated slips, or downloadable credentials for voter accreditation, a move aimed at reducing costs and eliminating voter card-buying schemes.
The INEC Chairman also revealed plans to introduce early and Diaspora voting, to accommodate citizens unable to vote at their registered polling units, including INEC staff, security personnel, and Nigerians living abroad.
Other key areas of reform include cleaning the voters register in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and enhancing partnerships with transport unions to ensure the timely deployment of election materials.
The Commission also plans to intensify voter education campaigns to combat misinformation and promote greater participation by marginalised groups.
INEC said the proposals will soon be presented to the relevant committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.
