§ 36. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the proposals for elections in the Northern Region of Nigeria; and in particular if all women are to be excluded from the franchise.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Regional Premier has announced that he will advise the Governor to hold fresh elections to the Northern House of Assembly late in 1956 or early in 1957. New electoral regulations are under consideration, but are unlikely to extend the franchise to women.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the Secretary of State agree that it is highly regrettable that the franchise is not to be extended to women when they have it elsewhere? One appreciates the historic and other difficulties, but apparently no women, not even those who have been educated, will have the franchise.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am not prepared to try to force on the largely Muslim population something alien to its traditions.
§ Mr. J. JohnsonIs it not a fact that the largely Muslim population in Western Nigeria, led by Mr. Awolowo of the Action Party, has given a franchise to women?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThat just shows how wise it is to leave these things to local decision.