In a promising development, the 10th Senate has pledged to revisit the Diaspora Voting Bill and give it due consideration this week. The assurance was made by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) during a virtual dialogue organized by the Engage Diaspora Foundation in collaboration with the Directorate of Diaspora and International Affairs.
Themed “A Pivotal Step Toward Achieving Diaspora Voting Right,” the dialogue aimed to address the long-standing issue of allowing Nigerians residing outside the country to participate in the electoral process through voting and running for office.
Previously, the 9th Senate had rejected the bill on diaspora voting in March 2022. However, recognizing the tremendous interest and substantial economic contributions made by Nigerian citizens in the diaspora, Bamidele emphasized the importance of diaspora voting as consistent with global best practices.
During his presentation as the Chief Host/Chief Speaker at the event, Bamidele reassured Nigerians abroad that the 10th Senate would exert greater efforts to pass the bill this time around. He stated that diaspora voting is a right, not a favor, and should be recognized and enshrined in the constitution as a fundamental right for citizens.
Highlighting the significance of the constitution as the foundational document that guides the government and the governed, Bamidele stressed the need for the recognition of diaspora voting in the constitutional framework.
With the 10th Senate’s commitment to addressing the desire for diaspora voting, Nigerians abroad can be cautiously hopeful that their voices will soon be heard and their participation in the electoral process will be recognized and protected. This new push for the Diaspora Voting Bill reflects a progressive step towards strengthening democratic principles and ensuring inclusive representation for all Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location.
