Protests Erupt at NASS Over E-Transmission of Results

Protests resumed at the National Assembly (NASS) on Monday, calling for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results as stipulated in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026. Demonstrators, including civil society groups, demanded the complete elimination of manual collation to prevent manipulation during result compilation.

The protests followed a five-day hiatus, during which security personnel reportedly barricaded the entrance to the complex, forcing demonstrators to rally outside the gates. Protesters argued that full transparency requires mandatory real-time electronic transmission, asserting that manual backups are unnecessary since the electoral budget already covers the technology needed for development.

The Senate reconvened for an emergency plenary session last Tuesday to revisit Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The Senate Chief Whip proposed removing the phrase "real-time" and replacing it with "transmission" or "transfer," which drew strong objections from senators who repeatedly raised points of order.

The Senate approved electronic transmission but allowed for manual collation as a backup in case of technical failure. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, February 17, at 11 a.m. to consider further national issues, while protesters vowed to continue pressing lawmakers until full real-time transmission is guaranteed.