INEC Must Ensure Transparency in Nigeria's Voting Process

Ugo Inyama addresses the challenges faced by Nigerian voters in understanding the electoral process after casting their votes. Despite advancements in technology, such as the INEC Result Viewing Portal and BVAS, many voters remain uncertain about the fate of their votes once they leave the polling unit.

The article highlights the importance of transparency in the electoral process, particularly during the collation of results at various centers. It stresses that voters should not have to rely on party representatives for information about their votes.

The Electoral Act 2026 mandates the electronic transmission of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal, but it also allows for paper forms to be used in case of communication failures. Inyama calls for clear procedures regarding the handling of results, including how failures are recorded and verified, to ensure public confidence in the electoral process.