Imperatives, recommendations for Nigeria’s NASS
encourage capital flight and massive brain drain, as well as widen the socio-economic gap in the country. The approval of 1% of Consolidated Revenue for Basic Healthcare Provision Fund in 2018 remains a hallmark achievement of the legislature.
6. Electoral Law Reform
This is arguably the most sought after and possibly the most strategic piece of reform in the country after constitution amendment. Renewed calls for electoral reform have followed Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration marking the botched 1993 democratic election that was adjudged the freest and fairest in the country’s history. Amendments to the 2010 Electoral Act was passed by the National Assembly in 2018 just before the 2019 elections but failed to get presidential accent in time for the general elections. Critical submissions to this proposed legislation are the integration of new technologies in the electoral process especially in the accreditation of voters, and e-transmission of votes. It further seeks the reduction of nomination fees charged by political parties, proposes the right of party representatives to inspect original electoral materials before commencement of polls and recommends a suspension of the electoral process in the event of the demise of a candidate prior to or during elections. The National Assembly in its bid to guarantee timely passage should also ensure a foolproof legislation that will be consistent with the realities of COVID-19 and the future of global elections. This will entail adapting technological, health, and safety variables while INEC test runs the amended law before 2023 general elections.
In conclusion, as the world grapples with what is fast turning out to be the most unpredictable and onerous period of the 21st century, Nigerians will be looking for answers to decade-long questions from their representatives.
Effective communication and engagement with the electorate should form core of this strategy. This integration should then be followed by a resolute resolve through oversight and executive checks and balances for equitable implementation. However, as the National Assembly is billed to continue on its summer-long recess by the end of this month, the country may have to wait till resumption in September for practical solutions.
Chinazo Muoneke is a public policy analyst of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).