EU Election Follow-Up Mission To Nigeria Meets Senator Lalong
Akudiang Comfort, Jos.
The European Union Elections Follow-up Mission to Nigeria has met with the Chairman of the joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong.
Members of the EU Mission includes Ralph Michael Peters, Team Leader/Political Analyst; Eirini Gounari, Legal Expert; and Maros Gabriel, Election Expert with the Chief of Mission; Member of the EU Parliament Mr Barry Andrews is expected to join the team early October.
During the meeting in Abuja, the team had discussions around the proposed Electoral Amendment Bill 2025 and its expected passage for the next general elections.
The leader of the team told Senator Lalong that the team was engaging stakeholders to understand the processes towards preparing for the next general elections particularly in relation to the electoral reforms that are ongoing.
Senator Lalong while welcoming the team explained that the Senate and House Committees have been working on the proposed amendment bill which is still a working document that requires input from stakeholders with a view to addressing issues that will strengthen elections in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the joint National Assembly committee on electoral matters has met severally to discuss the key issues even as each chamber pushes ahead with the process.
Senator Lalong said as soon as the Senate reconvene from its recess, the conference’s report on the electoral amendment would be discussed.
He said more input would be generated at a proposed retreat and public hearing which will be analysed by the Joint Committee for consideration and possible passage.
While thanking the EU for its interest and support towards improving the electoral system in Nigeria, he assured them that the committee had been working with civil society organisations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders in the review process.
