How the Electoral Act 2022 Reshaped Nigeria’s 2023 Elections
In a revealing discussion on the practical impacts of the Electoral Act 2022, Prof. Samuel Egwu, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State and former Commissioner in Niger State, shed light on how the landmark legislation transformed Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
The Electoral Act 2022, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on February 25, 2022, was heralded as a game-changer for Nigerian elections. Prof. Egwu highlighted several key innovations that reshaped the electoral landscape. Among the most significant changes was the extension of the election notice period from 180 days to a full year, granting INEC and political parties ample time to prepare and engage with the electoral process.
Another crucial provision was the early release of funds to INEC, stipulated to occur one year before the elections. This financial autonomy aimed to bolster INEC’s preparedness, though actual adherence to this timeline remains a point of discussion. The Act also introduced clearer definitions for overvoting, which now results in a zero score for all parties at a polling unit if votes exceed the number of accredited voters.
Prof. Egwu praised the Act’s mandate for using the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and online nomination processes, which significantly improved voter accreditation and candidate registration. The BVAS system, in particular, helped curb identity theft and ensured more accurate voter registration.
Despite these advancements, the 2023 elections faced challenges. Prof. Egwu addressed misconceptions about the electronic transmission of results, emphasizing that BVAS was intended for result transmission, not aggregation. He also discussed logistical hurdles, including transportation issues and political disruptions, which impacted the smooth execution of the elections.
One of the most critical insights from Prof. Egwu was the impact of election day logistics. He cautioned against the idea of conducting all elections in one day, highlighting that such a move could exacerbate logistical difficulties, especially in rural areas.
Overall, while the Electoral Act 2022 brought about significant improvements, Prof. Egwu underscored the need for continued reforms and the importance of addressing challenges related to electoral actors’ behavior and logistical execution.
As Nigeria reflects on the 2023 elections, Prof. Egwu’s insights provide a valuable perspective on the progress made and the areas still needing attention in the quest for a more transparent and efficient electoral system.
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