The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has commended the Nigerian Senate for its decision to allow the use of electronic voting and transmission of results in the coming elections in the country.
This was contained in a statement signed by CAN’s General Secretary, Barrister Joseph Daramola in Abuja
The Senate rescinded its decision on some clauses in the Electoral Amendment Bill that was passed in July especially clause 52 which deals with the methods of voting and collation of results in an election.
The Upper Chamber amended the clause to allow INEC to determine the use of electronic voting and transmission of results.
“We recall the uproar and the controversy that the July decision generated and we commend the leadership of the nation’s Senate for being sensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people. That is the beauty of democracy. The more the government does this, the better for our nation.
“CAN further call on the House of Representatives to follow this path of honour by rescinding its own decision too,” the statement read.
The Group also called in President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amendment bill to the law as soon as he receives it.
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The statement, however, called on the two chambers to let political parties decide how their candidates will emerge instead of imposing Direct Primaries on them.
CAN also appeal to INEC, the Nigerian government, the security agencies, political parties and the Non-Governmental Organisations to work together to ensure credible, free and fair polls in the country.
It is equally noted that the situation where courts decide those occupying political offices is totally unacceptable, reprehensible and disheartening.
“If by now our democracy is still a baby, Nigeria would not be regarded as a serious country in the comity of nations,” the statement added.
Zainab Sa’id
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