The National Assembly has finally transmitted the latest Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill to the President for his assent. With less than one hundred days to the 2019 general elections, the bill, which was passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly on the 24th of October, 2018, is yet to be signed into law. This is the fourth version of the Electoral Amendment Bill to be passed by the Federal Legislature and transmitted to President Buhari, who had earlier declined assent to the previous versions, owing to drafting issues.
While the use of Smart Card Readers and other technological devices during elections still requires legal backing as contained in the proposed legislation, there is a question as to if provisions on other matters, such as limits on campaign funds will be enforceable upon the bill becoming law or if such provisions will be observed post 2019 elections. The need for expediency in passing this Bill into law cannot be overemphasized, as the electoral body needs to conclude plans for the elections as soon as possible.