Parliament approves sweeping election reform after overnight vote

Lawmakers in the lower house approved a wide-ranging electoral reform package in an overnight vote, marking one of the most significant changes to the voting system in years. The bill passed 312-198 after hours of debate and procedural wrangling that stretched past midnight.

The legislation updates campaign finance rules and expands access-related provisions for voters, according to the Reuters report. Supporters said the changes are aimed at improving transparency and making elections more accessible, while opponents argued the measure was rushed and raised unresolved concerns about implementation.

The vote followed a marathon session that underscored the political stakes surrounding the reform. With the lower house now having cleared the bill, attention is expected to shift to the next stage of the legislative process and how the new rules would be applied if they become law.

The outcome reflects a broader push in many democracies to revisit election rules amid public debate over fairness, access, and political influence. For now, the measure stands as a major parliamentary step, though its final impact will depend on further approvals and the details of enforcement.