INEC Moves To Give Inmates The Vote In Landmark Electoral Reform
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is committed to granting voting rights to eligible inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities, as practiced in other democratic African countries like Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who made this known while playing host to the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, in Abuja, said that the right to vote is a fundamental human right which cannot be denied because a person is in custody, especially for those awaiting trial.
Prof. Yakubu, while citing past court rulings affirming the rights of inmates awaiting trial to vote, revealed that INEC and NCoS have already set up a joint technical committee to address practical issues such as voter registration in correctional centres, creation of polling units, observer access, and political party campaigns.
The INEC boss, called for clear legal provisions in the Electoral Act to guide inmate voting, noting that ongoing electoral reforms present the perfect opportunity to clarify eligibility, particularly for those on death row, life sentences, or convicted of treason.
He also acknowledged the role of civil society groups and the support of the National Assembly in promoting inclusivity in Nigeria’s elections as no citizen should lose their voice behind bars. “INEC is working with the Nigerian Correctional Service to make inmate voting a reality” he said.
The Controller General Nwakuche, in his remarks highlighted the status of inmates in Nigeria’s democratic process which according to him are often overlooked.
He underscored the fact that out of over 81,000 inmates in Nigerian facilities, more than 66% are awaiting trial and are, under the law, presumed innocent. “Even for the convicted, some rights remain intact, including the right to vote,” he said.
Nwakuche, called attention to existing court rulings and recent resolutions by the National Assembly which reaffirmed inmates’ voting rights and stressed the need for practical implementation, asking INEC to assist address grey areas and technical requirements to ensure that inmates are not excluded from the democratic process.
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