A delegation of the European Union (EU) elections follow-up mission has met with the senate committee on electoral matters over the electoral amendment bill.
The meeting was held in Abuja on Thursday ahead of the national assembly’s resumption from recess next week.
Simon Lalong, chairman of the joint national assembly committee on electoral matters, said the senate will discuss the conference report on the electoral amendment bill when it reconvenes.
Lalong said the senate and house committees on electoral matters have been working closely on the proposed amendment, which he described as “a working document” requiring broad stakeholder input to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
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According to a statement by Makut Macham, his media adviser, the EU delegation was led by Ralph Michael Peters, team leader and political analyst, alongside Eirini Gounari, legal expert, and Maros Gabriel, election expert.
Barry Andrews, a member of the EU parliament and chief of mission, is expected to join the team in early October.
Lalong said the joint committee has already held several meetings to deliberate on critical issues, adding that more input will be generated at a proposed retreat and public hearing before the final version is passed.
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“As soon as the senate reconvenes from its recess, the conference report on the electoral amendment will be discussed,” he said.
Lalong thanked the EU for its sustained interest in Nigeria’s electoral reforms, noting that the committee has been engaging with INEC, civil society groups and other stakeholders in the review process.
