Diaspora Voting Bill Advances: Key Takeaways from Second Reading Progress
A bill proposing to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in national elections has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abass and lawmaker Sadiq Abdullahi, the bill aims to enable qualified citizens residing abroad to participate in elections organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The legislation proposes that INEC conduct voter registration and elections at designated locations outside Nigeria simultaneously with domestic elections.
This is seen as a significant step toward inclusivity, acknowledging the contributions of Nigerians living abroad while maintaining their ties to the nation.
The bill, which failed during previous assemblies, received unanimous support during the plenary, marking progress in its legislative journey.
If successful, this initiative will place Nigeria alongside other countries that have adopted diaspora voting, such as the United States and South Africa.