What SERAP told NASS as move to ‘jail eligible Nigerians who refuse to vote’ advances

• SERAP has condemned a proposed bill in the Nationwide Assembly that seeks to fabricate vote casting predominant
• The organisation urged lawmakers to withdraw the bill and as an substitute handle electoral reforms, such as placing off immunity for governors all for electoral malpractice
• SERAP warned that if the bill is passed into legislation, it could per chance presumably rob lawful circulation to suppose its enforcement, emphasizing that democracy ought to mild be per free participation, now not coercion

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly adverse a proposed bill in the Nationwide Assembly looking out for to fabricate vote casting compulsory, warning that its repressive provisions would violate classic rights.

The bill, at present into consideration, prescribes a six-month detention center time length, a excellent of ₦100,000, or both, for eligible voters who fail to participate in national and enlighten elections.

In a letter dated March 29, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the Home of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to straight withdraw the bill, Vanguard reported.

As a substitute, SERAP known as for constitutional amendments to rob away immunity for enlighten governors and their deputies who’ve interaction in electoral offenses, including vote-buying, to make definite their prosecution.

SERAP requires electoral reforms

SERAP emphasised that in position of imposing punitive measures on voters who identify to now not vote, lawmakers ought to mild handle electoral reforms that promote transparency and accountability.

The organization argued that the most practical manner to addressing voter apathy is to win a win and conducive vote casting atmosphere, fight electoral malpractice, and restore public self belief in the democratic process.

In step with SERAP, penalising Nigerians for abstaining from elections contradicts the tips of democracy and the lawful to political participation.

The community asserted that participation in elections ought to mild be voluntary, now not enforced through coercion, The Punch reported.

“Jailing voters for opting to now not vote is inconsistent with democratic tips and Nigeria’s human rights duties. Voting is a lawful, now not an obligation, and any attempt to criminalise abstention is unconstitutional,” SERAP acknowledged.

SERAP threatens lawful circulation

The organisation also warned that if the bill is passed into legislation and receives presidential assent, it could per chance presumably suppose its legality in court to prevent its enforcement.

It described the proposed legislation as impractical and a violation of classic human rights.

SERAP additional criticized the Nationwide Assembly for failing to handle pressing electoral elements such as the affect of money in politics and political violence.

The community urged lawmakers to prioritise payments that will curb voter suppression, reinforce electoral abilities, and be definite free and dazzling elections in position of resorting to punitive measures.

The letter pressured out that effective democracy is constructed on belief, participation, and appreciate for voters’ rights, now not coercion.

It known as on the Nationwide Assembly to introduce licensed pointers that reinforce electoral integrity and be optimistic that every Nigerians can vote freely and securely with out danger of intimidation or punishment.

Bills to win 4 new states chase second discovering out

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that from the story that the Home of Representatives had passed four payments that had been looking out for to win four new states across the country through second discovering out.

From rising tale, the Green Chamber also passed 38 other payments in the transfer to alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and present lots of amendments in the ongoing constitutional overview by the 10th Assembly.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that’s picked exactly for YOU ➡️ win the “Instructed for you” block on the dwelling net page and delight in!

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng