INEC Proposes Major Electoral Reforms for 2025, Including Phasing Out PVCs and Introducing Diaspora Voting
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans for several key electoral reforms in 2025, including the gradual phasing out of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the introduction of Diaspora voting.
The proposal was shared following a meeting on Thursday in Abuja between INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Resident Electoral Commissioners. The reforms will be presented soon to relevant committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Yakubu emphasized that one of the main proposals is to ensure legal clarity in the management of results, particularly concerning manual versus electronic transmission. Additionally, he proposed that while voters can still use PVCs to vote, future accreditation could be carried out using computer-generated slips or even downloadable credentials from INEC’s website, thereby reducing costs and addressing issues like PVC theft and voter disenfranchisement.
Other significant recommendations include support for Diaspora voting, the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal, and the creation of a new agency to oversee political party registrations and regulations. INEC also plans to improve voter access and distribution to polling units.
These reforms are part of a 524-page review report on the 2023 general elections, which highlights 142 recommendations aimed at improving preparedness, voter management, education, security, and election technology.
Of these, 86 require administrative action by INEC, 48 involve collaboration with stakeholders such as security agencies and civil society groups, and 8 require legislative amendments by the National Assembly. Yakubu noted that the commission will soon engage with the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters.
The proposed reforms also focus on cleaning the voters' register with the help of the National Identity Management Commission, enhancing partnerships with transport unions for timely deployment of election materials, and stepping up voter education efforts to combat misinformation.
Yakubu concluded by stressing the importance of involving marginalized groups in the electoral process and addressing fake news and misinformation through more robust public communication and advocacy.
Comments