Electoral Act: ‘Real time’ doesn’t guarantee transparent election — Seriake Dickson
Electoral Act Amendment: Senator Dickson Addresses Changes to Transmission of Results
Senator Seriake Dickson, a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, stated that the removal of “real time” from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill does not compromise the requirement for electronic transmission of election results or diminish electoral transparency.
In an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Dickson emphasized that the Senate’s recent decision maintains the obligation for electronic results transmission from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV).
“I do not consider today’s proceedings as a loss for democracy,” Dickson remarked.
The Senate revised Clause 60(3) of the bill following public criticism, reinstating the mandate for electronic transmission while allowing for manual collation in cases of network failure. Critics fear that the absence of a straightforward requirement for “real-time” transmission could enable manipulation.
Nonetheless, Dickson asserted that the fundamental goal of securing the IREV has been accomplished. He clarified that he was expressing his personal views, rather than acting as a Senate spokesperson.
“I am here to provide my perspective as a seasoned member of this committee and as someone who participated in today’s discussions,” he explained.
Dickson noted that discussions regarding electronic transmission have spanned nearly two years and involved consultations with INEC and various stakeholders.
“This process has included numerous workshops and collaborative meetings within the Senate Committee and with INEC,” he said.
He acknowledged his absence during the Senate’s earlier decision to reject compulsory electronic transmission due to personal circumstances.
“I couldn’t attend when that decision was made last week as I was grieving… Today was my first day back in the Senate due to the significance of this issue,” he stated.
Describing the Senate’s initial decision as “unfortunate,” Dickson pointed out that INEC had assured lawmakers of its capability to facilitate electronic result transmission.
Regarding the controversy over the term “real time,” Dickson suggested that it has been misinterpreted.
“What does real time mean? We are not voting electronically in Nigeria,” he explained, adding, “The term ‘real time’ is unnecessary in this context. It does not, by itself, ensure a transparent election.”
He argued that genuine transparency emerges from securing results at polling units.
“The definitive evidence of the election outcome lies in the EC8A form… INEC mandates presiding officers to transmit the results to IREV. That is sufficient,” he stated.
Although Dickson expressed concerns about the proviso related to network failure, he acknowledged the need for parliamentary compromise.
“I do not agree with the proviso that has been included, but decisions in parliament reflect the majority will,” he said.
He reiterated that the law still mandates electronic transmission, clarifying, “The general rule is that every presiding officer must transmit results electronically. That is mandatory.”
In closing, Dickson asserted that electoral reforms should be implemented gradually.
“Progress happens incrementally… We have established that electronic transmission is mandatory, which is a significant advancement,” he concluded.
