The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the Senate’s decision to reject a proposal mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results in the ongoing Electoral Act amendment process, describing the move as a serious setback for electoral transparency in Nigeria.
The Senate on Wednesday passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, ruling out real-time transmission of election results and retaining the provision for electronic transfer of results as provided for in the 2002 Electoral Act.
The Senate also reduced the timeline for the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days.
CHRICED, in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the decision to retain the ambiguous provision in Clause 60 of the 2022 Electoral Act which leaves the mode of result transmission at the discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system at a time when public trust is already fragile.
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Zikirullahi argued that the rejection of compulsory electronic transmission signals a retreat from reforms aimed at strengthening the credibility of elections ahead of 2027.
According to him, the National Assembly has failed to rise to the responsibility of advancing citizen-focused reforms, instead preserving a system vulnerable to manipulation.
He noted that many democracies around the world, including Brazil, India, the United States and several European countries, rely on technology to ensure faster and more transparent result transmission.
The Executive Director added that African nations such as Kenya, Ghana and South Africa have also adopted electronic mechanisms that enhance public confidence and reduce electoral malpractice.
The statement warned that by maintaining a largely manual collation process, the Senate has entrenched a system often associated with delays, interference and disputes.
It stressed that while voting at polling units may be peaceful, controversies frequently arise during collation stages where results are handled multiple times.
Dismissing concerns about network coverage and cybersecurity as inadequate justifications, Zikirullahi said Nigeria’s success in digital banking and telecommunications demonstrates that technological limitations are not insurmountable. He said the issue is a matter of political will rather than technical feasibility.
“The decision could deepen voter apathy, widen distrust in democratic institutions and increase the risk of post-election disputes”, he said.
He called on Nigerians, including youth groups, labour unions, professional associations, religious bodies and community leaders, to sustain lawful and peaceful civic pressure for reforms that promote electoral transparency.
He urged the National Assembly to reconsider its position and prioritise the national interest over partisan considerations, stressing that credible elections are essential to democratic stability.