General Right to Vote
Constitution:
(December 26, 1992)
Article 8 states: "Suffrage is universal, free, equal, direct, and
secret. Voters are determined within the conditions of law to be Nigerians of
both sexes, 18 years old on the day of the election, or emancipated minors,
who enjoy their civil and political rights."
Article 9 states: "The republic assures equality before the law
without distinction of sex, origin, or religious standing."
Electoral Law:
(March 1996)
Article 3 states: "The election is the free choice exerted by the
people in view of designating citizens to direct the public, national, and collective
affairs."
Article 4 states: "Exercising the right to vote is free."
Specific Inclusion of
People with Disabilities
Constitution:
(December 26, 1992)
Article 20 states: "The State will care for the elderly and handicapped."
Exclusion Based on Mental
Disability
Electoral Law:
(March 1996)
Article 8 states: "Mental institute patients may not register or
vote."
Voter Assistance by Other
Citizens
Electoral Law:
(March 1996)
Article 53 states: "Voters of infirmity or physically handicapped
who cannot cast their vote may be assisted by another voter of their choice
or by a member of the bureau."
Off-Site Voting Alternatives
Electoral Law:
(March 1996)
Article 66 states: "Voting by proxy is allowed in cases of physical
incapacity or other major obstacles."
Medical Certificate Submission
Electoral Law:
(March 1996)
Article 41 states: "To run as a presidential candidate, one must
submit a medical certificate no older than three months by a doctor of public
administration."