INEC’s position on e-transmission of election results
INEC Clarifies Electronic Voting Process Amid Controversy
By Jide Ajani, General Editor
LAGOS — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a report addressing the current debate over the electronic transmission of election results, asserting its capacity to implement such technology. This comes in light of recent amendments to the Electoral Act of 2022, which some lawmakers argue necessitate a backup manual transmission in cases of network failure.
The report, signed by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, highlights that the commission has been equipped for electronic results transmission since September 2021. Yakubu emphasized that INEC operates independently and is authorized to organize and supervise elections per the Nigerian Constitution.
The ongoing controversy regarding INEC’s readiness to transmit results electronically has prompted further scrutiny. Although the National Assembly has proposed amendments allowing for manual transmission as a fallback option, experts worry this may inadvertently endorse a manual approach, undermining progress toward more modern election practices.
INEC’s 25-page report details the objectives of electronic transmission, the benefits of adopting it, and the distinctions between electronic results transmission and direct internet voting. It outlines three fundamental advantages: enhancing public trust in the electoral process, improving efficiency, and ensuring the safety of voters.
The commission’s plan consists of four phases for transitioning to a fully electronic voting system:
- Establishing a reliable biometric register of voters.
- Implementing electronic accreditation of voters.
- Facilitating electronic balloting.
- Enabling electronic transmission and collation of results.
Through various pilot projects over the past decade, INEC claims to be ready for the electronic transmission of results, stating that available national infrastructure supports this capability. The report outlines past experiments, including successful trials in previous elections, that have informed its current position.
INEC’s collaborations with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and major mobile network operators have reinforced its confidence in the electronic system’s feasibility. Despite misconceptions regarding its technological readiness, the commission remains committed to improving electoral integrity through innovation.
Certain misunderstandings persist, particularly regarding the differentiation between electronic result transmission and online voting, a distinction INEC seeks to clarify. The report highlights the necessity for a robust legal framework to facilitate the adoption of these technologies while exempting them from the constraints of existing manual-only provisions.
As discussions continue, INEC calls for a constructive dialogue to mitigate misunderstandings and establish a collective understanding regarding the future of electoral technology in Nigeria. The commission underscores its commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in the electoral process, ultimately aiming for a more trustworthy electoral system as the nation approaches the 2023 General Election.
For more information, visit INEC’s official website.
