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 DAILY POST.
“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.
(Daily Post)
