Civic brief: What the proposed Electoral Act amendment changes for you

The National Assembly is currently considering an amendment to the Electoral Act, and RHGN's Policy Working Group has prepared this plain-language brief so every citizen understands what is at stake.

First, the bill clarifies the rules around electronic transmission of results from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), specifying timelines for when polling unit results must be uploaded and made publicly viewable.

Second, it proposes stiffer penalties for electoral offences — including vote buying, ballot box snatching, and result falsification — with dedicated timelines for prosecuting offenders so cases do not outlive the election cycle.

Third, the amendment addresses early voting for Nigerians on essential election-day duty, including INEC ad-hoc staff, security personnel, accredited observers, and journalists.

RHGN encourages citizens to follow the public hearings, engage their Senators and House members constructively, and read the bill for themselves. An informed citizenry is the strongest safeguard of credible elections.