Senate Backs Electronic Transmission of Election Results, Keeps Form EC8A as Safeguard

T The Senate has approved the electronic transmission of election results directly from polling units, while retaining the manual Form EC8A as a backup in cases where technology fails.

The decision came after Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, moved a motion urging the chamber to rescind its earlier stance rejecting real-time electronic transmission of results. The Senate had previously, last Wednesday, maintained provisions in the Electoral Act, 2023, that limited the use of electronic transmission.

Following deliberations, the lawmakers adopted an amended Clause 60(3), which empowers presiding officers at polling units to transmit results electronically once Form EC8A has been properly completed and signed.

According to the approved provision, electronic transmission will be used where the necessary technology is available and functional. However, where technical challenges arise or transmission becomes impossible, the signed Form EC8A will serve as the primary and legally recognised record of results.

The motion generated some debate among senators during plenary. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe initially demanded a division to allow members to formally vote on the clause but later withdrew his request after further discussions.

The amendment signals a middle-ground approach by the Senate, promoting the use of technology to enhance transparency and speed in the electoral process, while preserving manual documentation as a reliable alternative.