Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Senator Neda Imasuen has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s Electoral Act to eliminate ambiguity and bolster democratic values. During a media interaction with journalists in Benin City, he emphasized the need to address conflicting and vague sections within the electoral law.
Senator Imasuen, representing the Labour Party, pointed out specific concerns within the current electoral legislation, citing section 84-2 as a noteworthy example. He drew attention to the inconsistency of using the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) in some areas while excluding it in others, an issue that requires immediate resolution.
In his view, the electoral law should not grant the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the discretion to utilize BIVAS in certain situations while also providing a way to bypass it in specific circumstances. This, he argued, results in an unacceptable level of discretion that, when not used for its intended purpose, poses a significant threat to the democratic process.
Senator Imasuen used the recent 2023 February elections as an example, where multiple elections took place simultaneously, including those for the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Presidency. While BIVAS successfully transmitted the results for the Senate and the House of Representatives, it encountered issues with the Presidential election. He emphasized that the reasons given for this discrepancy were deemed unacceptable by Nigerians and the National Assembly.
The senator highlighted the critical need to address the ambiguities in the Electoral Act promptly. He expressed confidence in the collective commitment of the Senate to initiate reforms in this regard, emphasizing that legislative provisions that currently favor one party may become unfavorable in the future.
Regarding the recent appeal court judgment affirming his election victory, Senator Imasuen expressed profound gratitude to his constituents for their unwavering support during the election and their steadfastness throughout the legal process. He viewed their support as a testament to their belief in his capacity to provide effective representation in the Senate.
Furthermore, Senator Imasuen extended an olive branch to his political opponents, inviting them to collaborate in enhancing the socio-economic development of Edo South senatorial district. He is resolute in his determination to bring federal government initiatives to his constituency and urged the people to continue working together for mutual progress.