Senate approves conditional electronic transmission of election results

(Source: The Punch Newspaper)

Photo by Stas Knop from Pexels

The agitation didn’t start today

But the pattern has been similar

2 steps forward and 6 steps backwards

So, goes the pattern:

Civil societies clamour for electoral reform

Academics suggest an incremental move to e-voting

Then the National Assembly sets up electoral sub-committee

Then INEC propose that we start with electronic transmission of votes

Stakeholders propose brilliant formulations

The Bill is passed, and the Presidential Assent is withheld

Of course, we go back to the round table again!

Only this time, INEC will not sit at that table.

“To be or not to be”, the Nigerian Communications Commission is left to decide.

Nigerians, there will never be a perfect time for e-transmission of votes

There was no ideal time for electronic accreditation, yet we have embraced it

Now, we need to move to electronic transmission and audit of votes

Yes, the Senate said we have to wait on the NCC.

While waiting, let embrace systems that minimise hacking in electronic transmission.

Otherwise, our suspicion of e-transmission will never end.

17.07.2021