The Senate on Tuesday reversed its earlier position on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, approving provisions that allow the electronic transmission of election results, subject to certain conditions.
Following the reversal, the upper chamber re-amended the bill to accommodate the electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV).
Under the amended provision, electronic transmission of results is allowed where internet connectivity is available. However, in cases of network failure or technical challenges, the manually completed Form EC8A will serve as the primary document for result collation and declaration.
Despite the amendment, electronic transmission is not mandatory, as the provision retains a fallback option to ensure the electoral process is not disrupted by connectivity issues.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North), during an emergency plenary session. The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South).
Presenting the motion, Monguno explained that the Senate’s decision to rescind its earlier rejection of electronic transmission was guided by the need to align the Electoral Act with the aspirations of Nigerians.
“This amendment is to bring our laws in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently put the motion to a voice vote, which was overwhelmingly supported by the majority of lawmakers.
It will be recalled that during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill last Wednesday, the Senate had passed an amendment that excluded provisions for electronic transmission of results. The latest amendment effectively acknowledges and corrects that omission.
Details later.