**New Electoral Law: A Leap Forward for Nigeria's Democracy** In a major milestone for Nigeria's electoral process, the National Assembly has highlighted the key reforms introduced in the 2026 Electoral Act, which has been passed and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The new law aims to strengthen the electoral system, promote transparency, and increase the credibility of the electoral process. **Digital Transformation** One of the significant reforms is the mandatory use of electronic transmission of election results. This means that election results will no longer be manually transmitted, reducing the possibility of human error and increasing the speed of result announcement. Additionally, the law requires political parties to maintain a digital membership register, ensuring that only eligible voters are registered. **Strengthening INEC** The new law also strengthens the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by mandating the use of the Bimodal Voter Verification System (BVAS) for voter accreditation. This system ensures that only registered voters can cast their ballots, reducing the risk of multiple voting. Furthermore, the law recommends a two-year imprisonment for Resident Electoral Commissioners who withhold vital documents, promoting accountability and transparency. **Campaign Finance Reform** The law also reviews upward campaign finance limits for different elective offices, aiming to reduce the influence of money in politics. This reform is expected to promote a level playing field for all candidates, regardless of their financial means. **A Collective Effort** The passage of the 2026 Electoral Act is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the National Assembly, INEC, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. The law was crafted over two years, with diverse stakeholders contributing their inputs and insights. The President has commended the National Assembly for its efforts, stating that the essence of democracy is to promote conversations aimed at deepening national development and stability. **A New Era for Elections in Nigeria** The implementation of the 2026 Electoral Act marks a significant step towards improving the electoral process in Nigeria. With the introduction of digital technologies, strengthened INEC powers, and campaign finance reform, the law aims to promote transparency, accountability, and credibility in the electoral process. As Nigeria prepares for future elections, this new law is expected to shape the electoral landscape positively, ensuring that the will of the people is truly reflected in the outcome of elections.