The House of Representatives is considering a constitutional amendment to hold presidential, governorship, and legislative elections on the same day.
The proposal, revealed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during a meeting with a European Union delegation on Thursday, is aimed at improving the credibility of elections and addressing low voter turnout.
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Conducting all elections simultaneously is expected to make the process more efficient and cost-effective. By reducing the number of separate election days, the proposal seeks to lower administrative expenses, minimize logistical challenges, and simplify security arrangements that usually accompany prolonged electoral periods. The move is also seen as a way to make voting more convenient for citizens, potentially increasing participation across the country.
In addition to synchronizing election dates, the House of Representatives is considering broader reforms to enhance inclusivity and governance. These include allocating reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities, strengthening financial autonomy for various levels of government, and clearly defining the roles of traditional rulers in the electoral process to ensure transparency and fairness.
The National Assembly is currently working on amendments to the 1999 constitution, with plans to vote on the bills this month. Speaker Abbas urged the EU delegation to support the National Assembly with advocacy and publicity efforts, noting that approval from state assemblies will also be necessary for the reforms to be implemented.
