The Nigerian Senate has passed a comprehensive electoral reform bill that promises to transform how elections are conducted across the country. The legislation, which sailed through after three years of contentious debate, introduces electronic voting at all levels, independent candidacy, and stricter campaign finance rules.
Senate President spoke after the vote, describing it as a historic moment for Nigerian democracy. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives before presidential assent.
Civil society groups who had lobbied extensively for the reforms welcomed the development. However, opposition senators raised concerns about implementation timelines, arguing that the Independent National Electoral Commission needs at least 18 months to prepare.
The bill’s passage comes ahead of the next general election cycle, raising questions about whether the new provisions can be operationalised in time. Legal experts say the reforms represent the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral framework since the 2010 Electoral Act.
