National Assembly Unveils Key Reforms in Electoral Act 2026
Abuja — Nigeria’s National Assembly has outlined far-reaching amendments contained in the proposed Electoral Act 2026, introducing new technology mandates and tougher sanctions aimed at strengthening election credibility and transparency.
Lawmakers said the reforms respond to lessons from recent electoral cycles and are designed to close procedural gaps, reduce disputes, and enhance public confidence in the democratic process.
Mandatory Electronic Transmission of Results
A central feature of the amendments is the compulsory electronic transmission of polling unit results. Under the new provisions, results must be uploaded directly from polling units to a secure central server, limiting manual handling and minimizing opportunities for tampering.
Legislators argue that mandatory e-transmission will improve real-time monitoring, enable faster verification, and provide a digital audit trail for election petitions.
Expanded Use of BVAS
The Act formalizes the exclusive use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter identification and accreditation. The technology, which verifies voters through fingerprints and facial recognition, is expected to become a non-negotiable requirement across all elections.
According to the National Assembly, the measure seeks to eliminate multiple voting, curb identity fraud, and standardize accreditation procedures nationwide.
Tougher Penalties for Electoral Offences
The amendments also introduce stricter penalties for electoral violations, including result falsification, voter intimidation, and technological sabotage. Offenders may face heavier fines, longer prison terms, and possible disqualification from contesting elections.
Lawmakers emphasized that the deterrent framework is critical to enforcing compliance and safeguarding the integrity of electoral technology.
Strengthening Election Integrity
Officials say the reforms align with broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s electoral system and address persistent challenges such as logistical inefficiencies and post-election litigation.
While the proposals have drawn praise from transparency advocates, political observers note that effective implementation, institutional capacity, and stakeholder cooperation will determine the true impact of the Act.
Debate on the amendments is expected to continue as the legislative process advances, with electoral authorities, civil society groups, and political parties closely monitoring developmegnts ahead of future elections.
