INEC Takes Steps to Grant Voting Rights to Inmates

INEC Takes Steps to Grant Voting Rights to Inmates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is working with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) to grant voting rights to inmates. INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu confirmed this development during a meeting with the Comptroller General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche .

Yakubu affirmed the judgment of the Appeal Court, which grants inmates the right to register and vote in elections. He emphasized that the right to vote is a fundamental human right that cannot be taken away from citizens, including those serving time in correctional facilities .

The INEC chairman noted that inmates exercise their right to vote in many parts of the world, including some African countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. He highlighted the need for a clear legal provision to cover citizens serving time in correctional facilities.

INEC aims to engage with the National Assembly to seek clarity and legal backing for the voting rights of inmates. The commission has already held several meetings with NCoS to work out modalities for accommodating affected inmates, including access to facilities and addressing political parties’ concerns

Voting rights for inmates: INEC is working to grant voting rights to inmates in line with the Appeal Court’s judgment.
Collaboration with NCoS:INEC is collaborating with NCoS to implement the court’s judgment.
Engagement with National Assembly:INEC seeks to engage with the National Assembly for clarity and legal backing.
Global best practices: The commission is drawing inspiration from global best practices, where inmates are allowed to exercise their right to vote .