Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to retract a bill containing repressive provisions that penalize Nigerian voters for not participating in elections.
SERAP advocates for amending the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act to eliminate immunity for state governors and their deputies who engage in electoral malpractices. The organization also recommends prohibiting the appointment of political party members as resident electoral commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The proposed 'Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022' in the National Assembly seeks to enforce compulsory voting with penalties for non-compliance. SERAP argues that penalizing citizens for choosing not to vote contradicts constitutional rights and international human rights obligations.
SERAP emphasizes the need to create a conducive electoral environment, combat political impunity, and enhance the electoral process to boost voter turnout, rather than resorting to punitive measures.
The organization warns of legal action if the bill mandating jail terms for non-voting is enacted, asserting that compulsory voting infringes on personal choice and the right to political participation.
SERAP urges legislative amendments to ensure secure voting rights for Nigerians, enhance public trust in the electoral system, and hold accountable politicians who undermine democratic processes.
Reference from News: Drop bill to 'jail eligible Nigerians who fail to vote', SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas