A Shari’a Court Judge, Bashir Hassan Bashir, has advised that elections should preferably not be scheduled during the month of Ramadan, especially in a country with a large Muslim population.
The judge revealed this in an interview with Dailypost
“I am of the opinion that it is better not to schedule
elections during the month of Ramadan, especially in a country with a large
Muslim population.”
According to him, one of the major concerns is the physical
difficulty associated with fasting.
“Election days often involve standing in long queues under
the hot sun, which can cause fatigue and weakness for those who are fasting,”
he said.
He also explained that Ramadan is a period of increased
devotion, including prayers, recitation of the Qur’an and other acts of
worship. This, he said, may reduce people’s movement and public engagement.
The judge added that holding elections before or after
Ramadan could encourage higher voter turnout, since people would not be dealing
with the physical and spiritual demands of fasting.
“Fixing elections outside Ramadan can bring greater ease,
fairness and wider participation, not only for Muslims but for the democratic
process as a whole,” he stated.
However, Bashir said that if the election date is not
changed, Muslims can still combine their religious duties with their civic
responsibility by taking practical steps.
He advised voters to plan their time early by going out in
the morning before the day becomes too hot.
He also encouraged them to take care of their health by
eating a good pre-dawn meal, drinking enough water before dawn and resting
after voting if possible.
The judge further urged Muslims to maintain good intentions,
viewing voting as a social responsibility and a way of seeking the common good
for the country.
“Muslims can also combine worship with civic duty by
engaging in supplication, remembrance of God, and observing prayer times while
going out to vote.”
“It is preferable to avoid scheduling elections during
Ramadan for ease and broader participation. However, if the date is not
changed, Muslims should prepare wisely, care for their health, and still vote,
because voting is a civic right and it does not invalidate the fast,” he said.
In addition, he called on youths to support one another,
especially by assisting the elderly or those with limited strength to reach
polling units more easily.
INEC had on Friday announced that the Presidential and
National Assembly elections would be held on February 20, 2027, while the
governorship and state assembly polls are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
This led to complaints about the Ramadan and lent fasting
clashing with the 2027 general elections.
However, on Tuesday, the Senate officially amended Clause 28
(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2026, providing the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the necessary legal
flexibility to adjust the 2027 general election timetable.
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