The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is proposing major reforms to the country’s electoral laws, including provisions for early, special, diaspora, and out-of-country voting, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a retreat in Lagos with the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters, Special Adviser to the INEC chairman, Mohammad Kuna, said the reforms aim to make elections more inclusive and efficient.

Among the proposals, INEC is seeking amendments to Sections 77 (2), 117 (1), 132 (5), and 178 (5) of the 1999 Constitution to enable Nigerians abroad, inmates, and election personnel to participate in the voting process.

“The introduction of early, special, out-of-country, diaspora, and inmates voting will ensure that no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised, irrespective of their location or service to the nation during elections,” Kuna said.

He stressed that allowing diaspora voting would align Nigeria with global democratic practices, noting that many countries have long facilitated voting by their citizens living abroad.

Beyond voting reforms, INEC is also proposing a shift towards electronically downloadable voters’ cards, replacing the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The commission said this would modernise the electoral process and reduce logistical challenges.

“The Commission proposes to modify requirements for the use of PVCs to allow for the introduction of electronically downloadable voters’ cards or any other form of identification acceptable to the Commission,” Kuna explained.

INEC also recommended stripping the President of the power to appoint Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), proposing instead that the Commission appoint State Directors of Elections with disciplinary authority over them. This, INEC argued, would enhance transparency, independence and accountability in the management of elections.

According to the commission, developments during and after the 2023 general election demonstrated the urgent need for greater institutional autonomy

The raft of proposed amendments also includes the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission and a Political Party Regulatory Agency, as well as the provision of special seats for women and persons with disabilities.

INEC urged the National Assembly to act swiftly to enact the reforms, which it said were necessary to “deepen Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.”