By Peter Adelowo
The Senate has approved a proposal permitting the electronic transmission of election results directly from polling units.
The decision followed a motion moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, urging the chamber to reconsider and reverse its earlier position on real-time electronic transmission of results.
Last Wednesday, the Senate had retained provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023, that effectively restricted electronic transmission.
However, with the adoption of the new proposal, the lawmakers passed an amended Clause 60(3) to allow presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit results after Form EC8A has been duly completed and signed.
Under the approved amendment, electronic transmission will be carried out where the necessary technology is available and functioning.
In situations where electronic transmission fails or is not feasible, the duly signed Form EC8A will serve as the primary and legally recognised record of the election results.
The amendment is seen as a policy shift aimed at strengthening transparency and public confidence in the electoral process, while also providing a legal safeguard in cases of technological challenges.
Debate on the measure was robust, with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe initially calling for a division of the Senate before withdrawing his request.
The development marks a significant step in ongoing legislative efforts to refine Nigeria’s electoral framework and enhance the credibility of future elections.
