The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the schedule for the upcoming 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, setting the stage for a tightly regulated and transparent electoral process.
According to the EC’s calendar, nominations for presidential and parliamentary candidates will be received from September 9 to 13, marking the commencement of the political season’s climax. The crucial balloting for positions on the presidential ballot paper is scheduled for September 23, 2024, followed by parliamentary balloting on September 24, 2024.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the announcement is that the EC plans to expedite the declaration of the presidential poll results. If all goes according to plan, the EC aims to declare the outcome within three days of the voting exercise, emphasizing efficiency and transparency in the electoral process.
The roadmap outlined by the EC also includes a comprehensive voter registration exercise from May 7 to 27, 2024, along with a nationwide effort to replace missing voter ID cards starting May 30, 2024. Preceding the registration, there will be 56 days of intensive public education from April 1 to May 26, 2024, aimed at ensuring widespread participation and awareness.
The EC also plans to submit the provisional voters’ register to political parties between July 9 and 18, 2024, followed by an exhibition of the register from July 15 to 24, 2024. The final voters’ register is expected to be submitted between August 30 and September 5, 2024, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of voter information.
In addition to these activities, the EC will engage stakeholders through meetings and its “Let the Citizen Know” series, aiming to foster understanding and trust in the electoral process. The commission will also conduct a Special Voting day on December 2, allowing selected professionals, including security agencies and accredited media practitioners, to cast their votes ahead of the main polls on December 7, 2024.
While the EC has set ambitious timelines, sources within the commission emphasized that all dates are subject to review. However, they reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, with regional collation centers maintained to announce results at the regional level.