Senate explains electronic transmission of results wording
Here is a clear, up-to-date explanation of why the Nigerian Senate approved “electronic transmission of results” instead of “electronic transfer of results,” based on the most recent statements from lawmakers.
The Senate clarified that its approval of the electronic transmission of election results refers to the use of technology to send election outcomes directly from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders in real time. The phrase “electronic transmission” was deliberately chosen to reflect the process by which results are captured digitally at the polling unit and then sent electronically, rather than manually collated and physically moved.
According to Senator Uche Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, the wording matters because “transmission” emphasises the communication of results from one point to another using electronic systems. This is different from “transfer,” which could be interpreted as the complete removal of hard-copy results from polling units or the elimination of physical processes like collation and verification. Umeh and his colleagues explained that the Senate wanted to avoid misunderstandings that might lead people to think the legislation would allow results to be fully automated or replaced without human oversight.
Senators highlighted that retaining clear language ensures the reforms preserve key safeguards such as on-field result signing by polling agents, manual backup records and transparency checks. The emphasis on transmission underscores that electronic technology will support faster communication and reduce delays and manipulations, but without eroding existing legal requirements for collation, authentication and manual verification.
Lawmakers also noted that their choice of wording was the result of consultations with INEC, civil society groups, and legal experts. By approving “electronic transmission” in the constitutional amendment process, the Senate aims to modernise the electoral process, improve accuracy and prevent results tampering, while still keeping election integrity mechanisms in place.
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