A bill for the creation of a National Electoral Offences Commission is now before the National Assembly as part of fresh efforts to make the 2023 elections a resounding success.

“The bill is likely to receive accelerated consideration, The Nation gathered yesterday.

“Some provisions of the bill recommend tougher sanctions for political parties, candidates, party agents, supporters, voters, electoral commission staff, security personnel and election tribunal staff found violating the electoral process.

“Among other things, the bill prescribes a 15-year jail term or N3million for thugs, vote buyers and those found guilty of vote inducement.

“Those who tamper with ballot papers or boxes or electoral documents may be imprisoned for 15 years if found guilty.

“But for a candidate or his or her agent who attempts to grab, loot, damage or destroy in any manner ballot boxes or ballot papers, it is a 20-year sentence with a N40million fine or both.

“Any officer or executive of any association or political party who breaches the Electoral Act 2022 or the 1999 Constitution may land in jail for 10 years with a fine of a million or both.”