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Electoral Act harmonisation: Reps under pressure to abandon compulsory e-transmission of results

Naija News • 1h ago
Electoral Act harmonisation: Reps under pressure to abandon compulsory e-transmission of results
**The Battle for Election Transparency: Reps Face Heat Over E-Results Transmission** As Nigeria's democratic journey continues, a crucial debate is unfolding at the National Assembly. Lawmakers are set to converge today to decide the fate of electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. The development has sparked tension, with many stakeholders watching closely to see how the lawmakers will navigate this sensitive issue. The proposed compulsory e-transmission of results is a key provision of the Electoral Act amendment. Proponents argue that this innovation will enhance the integrity and transparency of Nigeria's electoral process, reducing the risk of manipulation and improving the credibility of election outcomes. With the increasing presence of technology in modern life, e-results transmission seems like a logical step towards electoral modernization. In many parts of the world, electronic voting and result transmission have become the norm, and Nigeria should not be left behind. However, some lawmakers are opposed to the compulsory e-transmission of results, citing concerns about internet connectivity and the reliability of electronic systems. They argue that the country's poor internet infrastructure and frequent service disruptions could compromise the accuracy and security of the electoral process. This fear is not unfounded, given Nigeria's experience with internet outages and network failures that have caused significant disruptions in recent times. The opposition to e-results transmission has also been fueled by concerns about the potential costs of implementing this technology. Some lawmakers argue that the funds required to upgrade the country's digital infrastructure and ensure the security of electronic systems would be better spent on other essential areas, such as electoral reform and voter education. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of electoral reform, the decision on e-results transmission will have far-reaching implications for the country's democratic trajectory. The outcome of today's decision will be keenly watched by Nigerians, who expect their lawmakers to make informed choices that enhance the integrity of the electoral process. As the country navigates this critical juncture, it is essential that lawmakers prioritize the interests of the people and ensure that any decision made is in line with the principles of democracy and transparency.
Source: Original Article. AI-enhanced version.