Nigerian Senate Rejects Mandatory Real-Time Election Result Upload, Sparking Criticism

The Nigerian Senate's rejection of mandatory real-time electronic upload of election results has sparked disappointment and criticism, seen as a setback for electoral reforms. The rejection came despite widespread expectations for the amendment to the Electoral Act.

The Supreme Court had ruled that electronic transmission of results was not mandatory, giving INEC the discretion to determine the mode of result transmission. The Senate's decision to retain the existing provision in the 2022 Electoral Act has drawn backlash from opposition parties and civil society groups, who view it as undermining democratic consolidation.

The rejection of the amendment also led to a heated exchange in the Senate chamber, with disagreements over committee membership and voting procedures.