Shifting the Burden of Proof: Hon. Bitrus’ Bold Proposal for Electoral Reform

Honorable Laori Kwamoti Bitrus, representing the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, is championing a crucial amendment to the Electoral Act aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape. His proposal seeks to shift the burden of proof in election petitions from petitioners to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ensuring the electoral body takes full responsibility for conducting credible elections.

According to Hon. Bitrus, the current system places an unfair burden on petitioners, who often struggle to prove electoral malpractice. By reversing the burden of proof, INEC will be required to demonstrate that elections were conducted fairly, justly, and transparently. This, he argues, will compel the commission to improve its processes and uphold the integrity of the electoral system.

The proposed amendment is designed to address several key issues:

• Reversing the Burden of Proof – INEC, rather than aggrieved candidates, will be responsible for proving that elections were conducted credibly and without malpractice.
• Building Public Confidence in INEC – By holding the commission accountable, the amendment seeks to enhance trust in Nigeria’s electoral system and reinforce INEC’s commitment to free and fair elections.
• Reducing Voter Apathy – Many Nigerians abstain from voting due to doubts about the credibility of the process. By ensuring votes truly count, the amendment aims to restore faith in democracy and increase voter participation.

Hon. Bitrus believes that if INEC consistently claims preparedness for elections, it should also bear the responsibility of proving their credibility. His proposed reform is a bold step toward electoral transparency, fairness, and accountability, reinforcing the democratic rights of the Nigerian people.