The House of Representatives on Wednesday further amended the Electoral Act 2010 to make a provision to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons would vote at elections held during emergencies.
The amendment to the Act, which passed third reading yesterday, was a response to INEC’s stance that there was no legal backing for it to guarantee voting opportunities for the IDPs during next month’s general elections.
The amendment specifically added a new clause to the existing Section 26 of the Principal Act, giving INEC powers to make provision for the voting rights of the IDPs.
It was proposed by a PDP lawmaker from Taraba State, Mr. Albert Tsam-Tsokwa.
The amendment received unanimous approval by members and was passed along with the new Electoral Act.
However, both chambers of the National Assembly will still meet in conference to harmonise any differences that may appear in their respective versions of the new law.