By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act to criminalise the failure of a presiding officer to deduct excess votes in a polling unit during election has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.
The Bill which scaled second reading during plenary yesterday was sponsored by Hassan Fulata representing Birniwa/Guri Federal Constituency of Jigawa State.
According to Fulata, the bill proposes an amendment of Section 51, Subsection 2 of the Electoral Act to compel a presiding officer to deduct the number of excess votes across all political parties in a polling unit where over voting is recorded.
In their contributions during the debate, members expressed hope that when eventually passed and assented to, it will go a long way in impacting positively in the political atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Bill has been referred to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.
Consequently, the House also adjourned plenary to July 2.
