Protesters Sustain Fourth Day of Electoral Reform Demonstrations Outside Nigeria’s National Assembly in Abuja
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Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
For the fourth consecutive day, protesters have maintained their presence outside Nigeria’s National Assembly in Abuja, intensifying calls for comprehensive electoral reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust in the country’s democratic process. The demonstrators, comprising civil society organisations, youth advocacy groups, and concerned citizens, converged at the legislative complex in the Federal Capital Territory, demanding legislative action to address perceived gaps in Nigeria’s electoral framework. Their core demands include improved electoral transparency, enhanced real-time transmission of results, institutional independence for electoral bodies, and stricter enforcement of campaign finance regulations. The protests come amid ongoing national conversations about electoral integrity following recent elections. Critics argue that systemic weaknesses, including logistical challenges and legal ambiguities, undermine public confidence in outcomes. Protesters say meaningful reforms are critical ahead of future electoral cycles to safeguard democratic stability in Africa’s most populous nation.Security presence around the National Assembly has remained heightened but largely orderly, with law enforcement officials monitoring proceedings. Organisers have reiterated that the demonstrations are peaceful and rooted in constitutional rights to assembly and expression.Lawmakers have yet to issue a comprehensive response to the sustained protests, although some members of the National Assembly have previously acknowledged the need to review aspects of the Electoral Act to reflect technological advancements and evolving democratic standards. Observers note that electoral reform has historically been a contentious yet recurring issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. Nigeria’s electoral system is overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has faced scrutiny and praise in equal measure over its management of elections in recent years. While INEC has introduced technological innovations such as electronic voter accreditation and result viewing portals, critics argue that implementation gaps remain. Political analysts say the sustained demonstrations reflect broader civic engagement trends across Africa, where citizens increasingly demand institutional accountability and democratic consolidation. They caution, however, that reform processes require broad-based consensus among lawmakers, political parties, civil society, and electoral authorities. As the demonstrations continue into a fourth day, the spotlight remains on Nigeria’s legislative leadership and whether public pressure will translate into concrete policy shifts. Sources:Reuters; BBC News; Al Jazeera; Premium Times Nigeria; The Guardian Nigeria.
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