Nigerians Abroad Will Soon Be Able to Vote as INEC Plans Diaspora Voting

Posted by Lolade on Tue 04th Aug, 2015 - tori.ng

INEC, has again reiterated that efforts are being made by the commission to ensure the possibility of Diaspora voting in subsequent elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has again brought to the fore its plans to introduce electronic and diaspora voting in subsequent elections.

INEC Deputy Director in charge of publicity, Nick Dazang disclosed this in Abuja where he was conferred with an award of honour by the Association of Students from the 19 Northern Universities.

He expressed confidence that the National Assembly will enact the enabling legislation and put to rest the agitation that has persisted over time.

“We are looking towards a commission that would ensure, for example, that in the next election, further reforms such as the use of electronic voting is introduced. For now, that is prohibited by law but what the commission is likely to look at is that it might canvass for the National Assembly to remove that prohibition so that we can introduce electronic voting.”

He rooted his confidence in the outlook of present administration, saying that President Mohammadu Buhari has indicated interest in the introduction of Diaspora voting , adding that the commission will work with the nationals to realise the goal.

“Another area which President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated interest is in the area of Diapora voting. We couldn’t do it in the last two elections in spite of the clarion clamour for it because it was not allowed by law. I foresee a situation where the commission will canvass for Diaspora voting to be allowed, especially, when you consider that there are millions of Nigerians who are resident outside the country and who would like to exercise their franchise.”