The National Assembly (NASS) is set to take a decisive step in Nigeria’s electoral reform process on Monday as members of the Joint Conference Committee meet to harmonise differences in the amended Electoral Bill passed separately by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Investigations revealed that the joint panel, comprising lawmakers from both chambers, has been given a one-week deadline to resolve contentious provisions, particularly those relating to the electronic transmission and collation of election results. The technology clause has emerged as the most sensitive issue, reflecting lingering concerns over transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The harmonisation became necessary after the Senate and the House passed differing versions of the amendment bill, especially on the scope and mandatory use of technology in elections. In line with legislative procedure, where both chambers approve separate texts of the same legislation, a conference committee is constituted to reconcile discrepancies and produce a single document acceptable to both sides before it is forwarded to the President.
The amendment drive comes against the backdrop of controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections, notably the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission to upload presidential election results to its Result Viewing Portal in real time as earlier communicated to Nigerians. The development sparked widespread debate and litigation, intensifying calls for clearer legal backing for electronic transmission in future elections.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting could shape the credibility of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle, as stakeholders across party lines continue to push for reforms that strengthen transparency, reduce post-election disputes, and restore public confidence in the democratic process.