2026 NANS Elections
Election Schedule
The official electoral calendar for the 2026 NANS General Election — from committee inauguration to the inauguration of new leadership.
8
Completed
1
Ongoing
9
Upcoming
April 1, 2026
Electoral Committee Inauguration
NANS JCC formally constitutes and inaugurates the Independent Electoral Committee (EC). The Returning Officer and all electoral commissioners take their oath of office.
April 10, 2026
Publication of Electoral Guidelines
The EC publishes the official 2026 NANS Electoral Guidelines, including rules for campaigns, voter registration, candidate eligibility, and results declaration. All aspirants and voters are expected to read and comply.
April 15, 2026
to May 15, 2026
Voter Registration (Online & Physical)
All accredited student union delegates from affiliated institutions are required to register as voters. Registration is available online via the NANS portal and at designated registration points in all six zones.
May 20, 2026
Publication of Provisional Voter Register
The EC publishes the provisional voter register. Registered delegates can verify their details and report any discrepancies within 5 working days.
May 26, 2026
Final Voter Register Published
After review of all objections and corrections, the EC publishes the final, certified voter register. No new registrations or amendments are accepted after this date.
June 1, 2026
to June 14, 2026
Nomination Form Collection & Submission
Interested aspirants collect and submit nomination forms to the EC Secretariat. All required supporting documents must be submitted alongside the nomination form within this window.
June 16, 2026
to June 20, 2026
Candidate Screening & Eligibility Verification
The EC conducts thorough screening of all submitted nominations. Candidates will be invited for oral interviews and document verification. Results of screening will be communicated within 48 hours.
June 22, 2026
Publication of Cleared Candidates List
The EC publishes the official list of candidates cleared to contest. Any aspirant not satisfied with the outcome may file a formal written objection to the EC within 48 hours.
June 25, 2026
to July 5, 2026
Official Campaign Period
Cleared candidates may campaign across campuses, NANS zonal platforms, and social media. All campaigns must be peaceful and respectful. Vote-buying and character defamation are strictly prohibited under the electoral code.
July 7, 2026
Mandatory Candidates' Town Hall (Live & Streamed)
All presidential and senate candidates will participate in a live, nationally streamed Town Hall moderated by the EC. The event is open to all registered student delegates and broadcast on NANS official channels.
July 10, 2026
Campaign Silence Begins
All campaigns — physical and digital — must cease by 11:59 PM on July 10. Violation of campaign silence is a punishable offence under the electoral code and may result in disqualification.
July 12, 2026
Delegate Accreditation
Registered voters present at their designated polling centres for biometric accreditation. Voter cards and valid institutional identity must be presented. Accreditation runs 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
July 14, 2026
EC Final Press Briefing
The Returning Officer holds a final press briefing to confirm electoral arrangements, logistics, and security measures. International and domestic observers are formally credentialed.
July 15, 2026
ELECTION DAY
Accredited delegates cast their votes via secret ballot at designated polling centres in each of the six geopolitical zones. Voting opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM WAT. No extension will be granted except by court order.
July 15, 2026
Vote Counting & Collation
Votes are counted immediately after polls close at each polling centre in the presence of candidates' agents, accredited observers, and ICPC monitors. Results are collated at the national level by the Returning Officer.
July 16, 2026
Declaration of Results
The Returning Officer formally declares the results of the NANS Presidential and Senate Presidential elections. Results are published simultaneously on the NANS official portal and notified to all NANS affiliates.
July 17, 2026
to July 19, 2026
Petition Window
Any candidate or registered voter who disputes the results may file a formal petition with the EC. Petitions must be in writing, clearly stating grounds for dispute, and accompanied by relevant evidence.
August 1, 2026
Inauguration of New NANS Leadership
The newly elected NANS National President and Senate President are formally inaugurated at a public ceremony witnessed by NANS affiliates, government representatives, and media. Outgoing executives hand over to incoming leadership.
Download the Full Electoral Calendar
Official PDF version of the 2026 NANS Electoral Calendar — issued by the Electoral Committee.