Senate approves electronic transmission of results, allows manual as backup
The Senate has approved the use of electronic transmission of election results while also permitting manual upload as a fallback option.
The decision followed deliberations by lawmakers on proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, aimed at strengthening the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Under the resolution, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be empowered to transmit results electronically from polling units. However, in situations where technical challenges arise, officials may rely on manual procedures as a backup.
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The development is seen as a compromise position after weeks of debate among legislators and political stakeholders over the best approach to safeguard the integrity of elections while accounting for infrastructure limitations across parts of the country.
Supporters of electronic transmission argue that it will curb manipulation, speed up collation and improve public confidence in outcomes. Others had raised concerns about network coverage, cybersecurity and the risk of disenfranchisement if technology fails.
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By adopting both methods, the upper legislative chamber said it aims to provide flexibility while still advancing the push for a more technology-driven electoral system.
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