Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over Failure to Enforce Electronic Transmission of Election Results in Nigeria

Senator Umeh from Anambra Central State has raised an alarm over the lack of clear provisions for real-time electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria. He highlighted that the National Assembly's failure to decisively entrench this process could undermine public trust in the electoral system.

Umeh revealed that during closed-door sessions, there was an agreement to retain electronic transmission of results, but this consensus was not reflected in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act. He emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and credibility in the electoral process, especially with the upcoming 2023 general elections.

Umeh pointed out that the current version of the Senate's amendment does not explicitly address electronic transmission, potentially leading to a credibility crisis. This issue has been triggered by the Supreme Court's ruling that the 2023 presidential election must involve electronic transmission, which is not currently recognized in the law.