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Published on 2024-02-28 16:06:14
The house of representatives recently rejected a bill that aimed to amend sections 134 and 179 of the constitution, which outline the conditions for presidential and governorship candidates to be elected. Sponsored by Awaji-inombek Abiante of the PDP from Rivers state, the bill proposed that candidates must secure more than 50 percent of the total votes cast to be declared winners.
The rejection of the bill by the house of representatives on February 28 drew attention to the existing electoral process in Nigeria. The bill sought to remove the simple majority rule for presidential and governorship candidates, but was met with immediate opposition from lawmakers before it could even be debated.
As per reports from Premium Times, if the bill had been passed, it would have required a lengthy process to amend the constitution, garnering support from the Senate and approval from houses of assembly in at least 24 out of Nigeria’s 36 states. This would have been a significant change to the electoral system, potentially affecting future elections.
One notable implication of the bill’s rejection is how it would have impacted the results of the 2023 presidential election. Had the proposed requirement for candidates to secure over 50 percent of the votes been in place, President Bola Tinubu might not have been declared the winner in the first ballot. Despite securing about 37 percent of the total votes cast, Tinubu met the current constitutional requirements for victory.
The debate around the bill highlights the complexities of electoral reform in Nigeria. With over 90 million registered voters and only 25.2 million participating in the recent election, the need for fair and transparent electoral processes remains a crucial issue. The rejection of the bill underscores the importance of careful consideration and deliberation when proposing changes to election laws.
In a related development, another bill proposing a shift from the presidential system to a parliamentary system of government was presented by 60 members of the house of representatives. Led by a lawmaker from Lagos state under the APC, the bill aimed to reduce the cost of government and enhance policy debates, among other objectives.
The rejection of the bill requiring candidates to secure over 50 percent of the votes in presidential and governorship elections reflects the complexities and nuances of Nigeria’s electoral system. As the country continues to navigate political reforms and challenges, the need for transparent and inclusive electoral processes remains paramount.
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