A coalition of Civil Societies under the platform of the Coalition for E-electoral Reforms Nigeria (CERN) has called the Conference Committee of National Assembly to expedite actions and harmonise the amendment to the Electoral Act for President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent before the November 6 Anambra State governorship election.
They argued that the President’s assent will validate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website as a legal platform for the transmission of election results.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja after a solidarity rally at the gate of the National Assembly, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, Executive Director, Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative and co-convener of the rally, said the conference committee of the National Assembly should ensure harmonisation of the differences in the amendment by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“Mr. President has told INEC that he is going to do everything that will make INEC succeed. Everything that will make INEC succeed is inclusive of a legal framework that will make INEC succeed and the Electoral Act is the number one document in that regard.
“Therefore we are urging the 14 wise men to do the needful by harmonizing, National Assembly transmits and let the President sign this bill before Nov 6 Anambra State Governorship election.”
Commending the Senate for yielding to the wishes of the people, Godbless Otubure, the Global President, ReadytoLeadAfrica, said the Senate has given Nigerians people-oriented Electoral Act with the inclusion of electronic transmission of results by INEC.
The coalition also commended Buhari and urged him to continue to support the civil society organisations by ensuring a democratic legacy that will further enhance our democracy.
On the direct primary, the coalition urged the National Assembly to review its position and allow both direct and indirect modes of primaries to be retained as means of electing party candidates for elective positions.
The coalition includes ReadyToLeadAfrica, YIAGA Africa, Centre for Liberty, Raising New Voices and Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative.
