As citizens become increasingly engaged with the global and technological landscape, it is imperative that the National Assembly passes laws enabling both early voting and diaspora voting.
By Anthony Ubani
In a dynamic and rapidly changing world, the principles of democracy must evolve to meet the needs of all citizens, wherever they may be. In Nigeria, two crucial reforms—early voting and diaspora voting—are long overdue, with the potential to significantly enhance electoral participation, inclusivity, and the strength of the democratic process.
As citizens become increasingly engaged with the global and technological landscape, it is imperative that the National Assembly passes laws enabling both early voting and diaspora voting. The urgency of these bills cannot be overstated.
Which is why we must applaud and encourage Nigeria’s legislators at the National Assembly for having put in the work to get both bills to pass second reading. It is now critical to sustain the energy and commitment to drive the legislative process past the finishing line by passing both bills for third reading.
But what makes these two bills so important?
Early voting
Early voting has emerged as a critical tool in many democratic nations, serving to increase voter turnout and alleviate the strains of election day logistics. For Nigeria, where elections often see large crowds and long waiting times at polling stations, early voting represents an opportunity to improve the voting experience for millions of citizens.
1. Increasing voter turnout and accessibility
Nigeria’s electorate is vast, with over 90 million registered voters. Yet, voter turnout remains a serious issue due to several factors, including work commitments, long distances to polling units, difficult terrains, weather conditions, threat of violence, loss of confidence in the electoral process lack of information and awareness. Â
Early voting offers the flexibility to cast ballots in the days leading up to election day, reducing the pressure on polling stations and encouraging more citizens to vote. In addition, Nigeria’s population is diverse, with many citizens living in rural or remote areas where access to polling stations is limited. Early voting can address these accessibility challenges by allowing people to vote at a time that is more convenient for them, regardless of geographical constraints.
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2. Reducing election day chaos
The sheer volume of voters on election day often results in long queues, confusion, and logistical challenges. In many cases, people give up or are unable to cast their votes due to time constraints or a myriad of other complications. Early voting mitigates these challenges by spreading voter turnout across several days, thereby easing congestion and ensuring that polling units operate more efficiently.
3. Preventing voter suppression
Barriers to voting, whether intentional or inadvertent, are a persistent issue in many electoral systems. In Nigeria, challenges such as political intimidation, election-day violence, and inadequate security measures can disproportionately affect certain demographics, such as women and the elderly. Early voting reduces the risks of voter suppression by giving citizens an opportunity to vote ahead of time, without being exposed to last-minute obstacles.
4. Enfranchising first responders
Medical personnel, firefighters, police officers, military personnel and all other professionals who are referred to as first responders or emergency service workers will now have the opportunity to cast their ballot at a convenient time without compromising the safety of society.
Diaspora voting
About 28 African countries currently have some form of legal or constitutional arrangement that allows their citizens resident in other countries to participate in elections and cast their vote. Senegal, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa are just a few of the African countries already practicing Diaspora voting.
Diaspora voting recognises and accentuates the fundamental principle of enfranchisement of all citizens, particularly those living or working outside of the geographical territory of their country. Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the largest in the world.
Estimates of the number of Nigerians living in the diaspora vary, with figures ranging from 5 million to over 20 million individuals. The wide range in estimates is due to differences in data sources, definitions, and methodologies. ​Approximately 42 percent of Nigerians living abroad reside within Africa, with significant communities in countries like South Africa, Ghana, and Cameroon. ​ About 58 percent live outside Africa, primarily in Europe and North America.
These citizens contribute significantly to the country’s economy, culture, and international presence. Despite their invaluable contributions, they remain excluded from the democratic process – a situation that is both unjust and shortsighted. Allowing Nigerians abroad to vote is a necessary step toward a more inclusive and representative democracy.
Recognising the role of the diaspora
The Nigerian diaspora is a key driver of the country’s economy, sending home billions of dollars annually in remittances. Nigerians in Diaspora remit an average of 20 billion dollars to Nigeria annually. Over the past five years, Nigerians in the diaspora have sent home more than $90 billion, underscoring their vital contribution to economic development.
This financial contribution plays an integral role in supporting families and boosting local economies. Beyond economics, the diaspora also influences global perception of Nigeria, with many Nigerians abroad actively promoting their country’s interests. Yet, these citizens are disenfranchised when it comes to national elections.
Allowing diaspora voting would recognise the vital role these Nigerians play in Nigeria’s development, both at home and abroad. It would also ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making processes that directly impact the Nigeria’s future.
Strengthening national unity and inclusivity
Diaspora voting has the potential to foster a stronger sense of national unity. The inclusion of Nigerians living abroad in the electoral process would demonstrate that their contributions to the country – through both financial support and advocacy – are valued by the Nigerian state. This inclusion would also help strengthen ties between citizens at home and abroad, fostering a more connected and cohesive nation.
Moreover, the ability to vote would provide Nigerian citizens abroad with a greater sense of ownership over the political system. It would instill a deeper sense of pride and responsibility, as they would have a direct stake in the governance and policies of their home country.
Facilitating global political engagement
The Nigerian diaspora is spread across the globe, from Africa to North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Many diaspora Nigerians are actively engaged in their host countries’ political systems, gaining insights and experience that can be beneficial to the Nigerian political landscape. Allowing them to vote would give the country access to these global perspectives, enriching national discourse and encouraging international cooperation on issues such as trade, diplomacy, and development.
The urgency and imperative of passing early voting and diaspora voting bills
The need for both early voting and diaspora voting in Nigeria has never been more urgent. As the country navigates a period of significant political and social transformation, it must seek to modernise its electoral process to better reflect the realities of an increasingly connected world. Several key reasons underscore the urgency of passing these bills:
Empowering Nigerian citizens
Early voting and diaspora voting are about empowering citizens to exercise their democratic rights in ways that align with their modern lifestyles. As Nigeria seeks to expand its democratic credentials, these reforms are essential to ensuring that all citizens – whether at home or abroad – are able to participate fully in shaping the country’s future.
Addressing electoral challenges
Nigeria’s electoral process has faced significant challenges in recent years, including voter disenfranchisement, electoral fraud, logistical challenges, etc. Implementing early voting would reduce the pressure on election day logistics and minimise instances of fraud and misconduct. Similarly, allowing the diaspora to vote would reduce the potential for alienation and disenfranchisement, which reduce confidence in the democratic process.
Global recognition and competitiveness
As a major African power, Nigeria’s political system must be in tune with global best practices. Diaspora voting or external voting has been recognised widely all over the world such that it is now more of the norm than the exception. Countries recognise the importance of ensuring that their citizens abroad can participate in national elections. By embracing these reforms, Nigeria would demonstrate its commitment to strengthening democracy, enhancing governance, and promoting transparency on the global stage.
National development and progress
Both early voting and diaspora voting align with Nigeria’s broader vision of development and progress. Diaspora Nigerians are key contributors to various sectors, from business and technology to education and healthcare. By enabling them to vote, Nigeria can leverage the expertise and insights of its global citizens in shaping policies that foster national development.
Will of the electorate
Early voting and diaspora voting allows for greater participation in elections, which ensures that the elected government is more representative of the will of the people.
Last word
It is heartening that that the National Assembly is already moving forward with commendable action on these two long overdue bills. Â Passing the early voting and diaspora voting bills is not just a matter of legal reform; it is a moral imperative.
These reforms are essential to modernising Nigeria’s electoral process, empowering citizens, and ensuring that the country’s democracy is more inclusive, transparent, and representative. The National Assembly must rise to the occasion and do all that is necessary to ensure that these two bills are passed to become the law of the land.
Nigerians, at home and abroad deserve nothing less. A New Nigeria is Possible.
Anthony Ubani, Executive Director #FixPolitics Africa, writes from Abuja.
