Dare Babalola
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results at polling units, calling it a significant setback for Nigeria’s democracy and electoral transparency.
The part, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Wednesday, expressed dismay over the Senate’s decision, stating that it erodes trust in the electoral process and disregards Nigerians’ demands for transparent and credible elections.
Earlier today, the Senate rejected a proposed amendment to Clause 70, Subsection 3 of the Electoral Amendment Bill, which sought to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory.
Explaining the Senate’s stance, Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that the chamber did not outrightly reject the proposal but rather chose to maintain the current provision in the Electoral Act, which provides that “the presiding officer shall transfer the results, including the total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballot, in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”
The PDP reacted, describing the decision as shameful and regrettable, indicating a lack of commitment from the National Assembly to improving electoral integrity and advancing democracy.
PDP stated, “Today, after an intentional and protracted delay, the Senate, while passing the amendment to the Electoral Act, rejected the electronic transmission of results at the polling units. This rejection is most shameful and unfortunate, attracting condemnation from all democratic-minded persons.
“We charge our lawmakers to remember that they are delegates of power invested in them by the voters in their various constituencies and must endeavour to mirror their desires and wishes at all times. It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians across the 109 Senatorial Districts desire electoral sanctity, which is better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of votes from the polling units.
“We are all witnesses to the widespread practice of altering results before they get to the collation centre or at the collation centre. This electronic transmission would have brought an end to this ignoble practice that has been deployed by politicians to win elections against the wishes of the people expressed through the ballot.”
PDP called on the National Assembly to urgently review its position and move to approve the amendment mandating the electronic transmission of election results.
It continued, “This rejection is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation. This is indeed a sad day for electoral democracy. We hereby call on the National Assembly to immediately reconsider its stand on this matter and take steps to pass the amendment approving the electronic transmission of results.
“This is the minimum amendment that can increase faith in the electoral process, without which apathy will be worse than in the last general election, which is greatly unhelpful to democracy.”
