House of Reps approves 2-year jail term for vote buyers and sellers

The House of Representatives has passed targeted amendments to the Electoral Act, introducing stricter penalties for vote buying and selling.

Under the new provisions, offenders face a minimum of two years’ imprisonment, a N5 million fine, or both, along with a 10-year ban from contesting elections

The changes were adopted during a clause-by-clause review of the report from the House Committee on Electoral Matters, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu. The revised Clause 22(a and c) significantly increases sanctions compared to previous limits, which capped fines at N500,000 or two years’ imprisonment.

To boost election transparency, Section 60(3) has been amended to require the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) in real time, alongside traditional physical collation. Presiding officers who intentionally violate procedures for counting, announcing, or transmitting results now face a minimum N500,000 fine, at least six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Other key reforms include:

Releasing election funds to INEC at least one year before general elections to enhance planning and execution.

Increasing penalties for multiple voter registration to a minimum of N100,000 or one year’s imprisonment, or both.

Extending the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists from 180 days to 210 days before elections.

Allowing electronically generated voter identification, including downloadable voter cards with unique QR codes, for accreditation and voting.