INEC clarifies position on electronic transmission of election results
As National Assembly is about to kick start the review of the controversial Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has issued a 25-page Position Paper reiterating it’s capacity, readiness and ability to deliver elections with integrity using appropriate and available technology, including for the electronic transmission of election results.
The Commission detailed its successful pilot programmes and engagements from 2018 with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) through a committee, which reached the conclusion that it is possible for INEC to transmit poll results electronically.
The INEC position paper dispelled misconceptions on the issue and made it abundantly clear that all the Commission requires is the enabling and legal framework to deploy available technology for the electronic transmission of election results.
The Commission also described as breach of constitution, any suggestion that it should obtain attestation from the NCC or approval of the National Assembly before the exercise of its statutory mandate, including the electronic transmission of poll results.
