Senate approves report on Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill

THE Senate on Tuesday approved report of the Conference Committee on the Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act 2010 to improve the legal framework for elections in the country.

Presenting the report for approval during plenary in Abuja, the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, said the amendment of the Electoral Act would ensure more transparency in the conduct of elections.

He also said the amendment would ensure a level playing field for all participants in the electoral process and also provide enough time to prepare voters for elections.

“This bill seeks to improve the legal framework for the electoral process by providing the tenure of office for the secretary of the commission.

“Increase the number of days for application for an issuance of duplicate voter cards, to determine voting procedure as well as addressing other related issues to facilitate electioneering in Nigeria.

“To ensure a level playing field for all participants in the electoral process, more transparent process of conducting elections and to gain time to prepare voters and candidates for election.“

Presiding over plenary, the President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, said the amendment of the Electoral Act would help strengthen democracy in the country.

“This is very important particularly as we continue to amend our Electoral Act through practical experiences that we find in the field.

“All these will help to strengthen democracy in this country.“

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2015 was passed in the Senate and in the House of Representatives on July 3, 2014 and on Jan. 16, 2015 respectively.

The Conference Committee was thereafter constituted to brainstorm and reach a consensus on the areas of differences in the Bill before approval by the Senate.

Meanwhile, report of the Conference Committee on the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (Amendment) Bill 2015 has been laid before the Senate.

The upper chamber also received the report of the Committee on National Identity Card and National Population Commission on the screening of Abimbola Hundeyin for appointment as a member of the population commission.

The Investment Committee’s report on the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (Fiscal Incentives, Assurances and guarantees) Bill 2015 was not considered as it was referred to relevant committees for more legislative action. (NAN)