Nigerians in Diaspora Leadership Forum backs INEC´s boss for inclusion in 2015 election
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“Our Embassies and High Commissions around the world are potential voting centers and collation offices. If we cannot start fully around the World, can surely start from the major countries, such as USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Dubai (UAE) and few other major ones”
Nigerians in Diaspora Leadership Forum (NiD LeaF) an umbrella organization base in Europe to mobilize Nigerians into positive thinking and leadership development, agreed from their base in London, UK that the plan by INEC is in the principles of human rights as evidently shown by other countries around the world, especially for those Nigerians with strong commitments and passions towards the nation’s developments.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, proposed and plans for Diaspora voting rights be allowed in the 2015 general election.
“This will be a major achievement by INEC if implemented, we have noted over the last years, the President’s agreement and promises by legislators that Diaspora can and should be able to cast their votes”, remarked the Chairman, Alistair Soyode.
Prof. Attahiru Jega, the INEC’s Boss, had on December 16 called an amendment of Sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the 1999 Constitution to allow Nigerians in the Diaspora of voting age to participate in the country’s electoral process.
Constitution’s Quote “77. (2) Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years residing in Nigeria at the time of the registration of voters for purposes of election to a legislative house, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election.
Modify or alter to 77. (2) Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years (remove these words in red – residing in Nigeria) at the time of the registration of voters for purposes of election to a legislative house, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election.
The new words will be = 77. (2) Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years at the time of the registration of voters for purposes of election to a legislative house, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election
117. (2) Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years residing in Nigeria at the time of the registration of voters for purposes of election to any legislative house, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election.
117. (2) Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years (remove these words in red – residing in Nigeria at the time of the registration of voters for purposes of election to any legislative house, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election.
The new words will be 117. (2) Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years at the time of the registration of voters for purposes of election to any legislative house, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election
Not forgetting the power of altering or approving any issue or matter on elections belongs to INEC as stipulated here in the constitution
118. The registration of voters and the conduct of elections shall be subject to the direction and supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“INEC do have the capacity to execute this initiative and from our end have put in place a methodology and registration application that can speed the process, control its mechanism and make easier to adopt. We have set up the online registration for Diaspora and are ready to start”.
Mr. Soyode said Nigerians in the Diaspora want to be engaged, used and are ready to use their resources assists INEC achieve this initiative. Apart from the yearly remittance of more $10 billion, Diaspora communities and groups are constantly contributing in human capital development, health projects and many others in building a positive and develop nation. These Nigerians are ambassadors of Nigeria where they are base contributing to their host countries’ developments.
“Our Embassies and High Commissions around the world are potential voting centers and collation offices. If we cannot start fully around the World, can surely start from the major countries, such as USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Dubai (UAE) and few other major ones. Our passports are official documents anywhere in the World with all the details needed for voting, even in the countries we are based” he said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Diaspora voting, which is based on the universality of the right to vote, was first introduced in 1924 called postal voting, while postal votes were available for overseas service personnel and students in colonial Malaya (now Malaysia).
It was also in Namibia in 1989 and South Africa in 1994 for their citizens abroad.
Finally, Diaspora (Nigerians) voting issue is easy, transparent and cost effective. The truth of the matter is, the foreign monitors will have an easier work as some of the votes will be cast in their country; easy to send the results to Abuja and very affordable. A free, fair and a centenary gift to all Nigerians as a shown by our unity, faith, peace and progress of a people that have come along way. 100 years together can bring out a strong platform for a legacy to every Nigerian most especially for those that would make this happened – That is, Nigerians in Diaspora able to vote comes 2015 elections. We should put aside our fears and embrace what can potentially be an avenue to unite us more and better!
Alistair Soyode is the founder and Chairman of Europe’s First Ethnic satellite and media company, www.bentelevision.com and former Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) amongst others
Posted by Alistair soyode: (NIDO Europe yahoo group)
