The Alliance of Civil Society Organizations for Expansion of Electoral and Democratic Space, ACCESS, says the alleged plot by members of the National Assembly to insert manipulated sections into the final draft of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill is “treason” against the nation’s democracy.
This is coming after the supposed document was leaked to the public that section 50(2) of the final draft has been allegedly forged by the federal Lawmakers to suit their political ambition in coming elections.
For Over 5 months, agitations from civil society organisations, CSOs to push for the speedy passage of the electoral act (amendment) bill 2021 appear to have met a brick wall due to the delay of the passage of the bill by the national assembly.
On two occasions, the federal Lawmakers had failed to pass the bill on different dates, but promised Nigerians they will complete legislative work on the document.
Over the weekend, there were reports that the Legislators had allegedly manipulated the document by rejecting electronic transmission of results and increment of campaign expenses in section 50(2) of the bill which was not captured during the public hearing.
About 42 Civil society organisations under The Alliance of Civil Society Organizations for Expansion of Electoral and Democratic Space, ACCESS said plans to manipulate the final copy of the Electoral Amendment Bill should be stepped down.
The members threatened the Lawmakers they will again embark on the #OccupyNASS protest on Tuesday to prevail on them to reject the forged Section 50 (2) and other manipulated sections of the Electoral.
The Electoral Act (amendment) bill 2020 is said to be due for passage on Tuesday, 6th July by both chambers of the National assembly.