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An INEC officer with the BVAS Photo Credit: INEC
By PERPETUAL ONUEGBU
A civil society organisation, Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija) Consortium, has urged the National Assembly Electoral Act Amendment Bill Conference Committee to adopt mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The group, in a statement issued in Abuja, said it welcomed the Senate’s decision to revisit Clause 60(3) and approve electronic transmission after initially rejecting the provision.
The statement was signed by Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI); Zigwai Ayuba of J-DEV Foundation; Abimbola Salako, head of the New Generation Girls; among others.
The consortium described the Senate’s action as responsive to public concerns but said the measure did not sufficiently guarantee transparency in the electoral process.
It noted that although electronic transmission was approved, it was not made mandatory and real-time as contained in the House of Representatives’ version.
The group said many Nigerians, particularly youths, had consistently demanded compulsory real-time transmission to reduce human interference during collation of results.
It expressed concern over provisions permitting manual transmission where technology fails, warning that such measures could weaken safeguards in the results management process.
The consortium said improvements in connectivity and the capabilities of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System support the feasibility of real-time transmission, including in areas with temporary network challenges.
It urged members of the harmonisation committee to prioritise national interest and adopt provisions that strengthen transparency and credibility in elections.
The group added that timely passage of an enhanced Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections would support credible polls and public confidence in democratic governance.
It reaffirmed commitment to continued engagement with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance reforms promoting transparency, credibility and inclusive democracy. (NAN)
