... Retains Form EC8A As Backup
The Nigerian Senate has officially approved the electronic transmission of election results directly from polling units, marking a significant shift in the country’s electoral process aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility.
In plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers passed a resolution endorsing the use of electronic transmission of results, a move widely anticipated ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Senate also maintained the retention of the traditional manual result-recording form, Form EC8A, to be used as a contingency in cases where electronic uploads fail.
The decision comes amid ongoing public and political discourse over how best to integrate technology into the nation’s electoral system. Proponents argue that electronic transmission will curb result manipulation and reduce incidences of ballot box snatching and falsified result sheets. However, concerns over network challenges and potential technical glitches have persisted.
To address these concerns, the Senate clarified that electronic transmission will not wholly replace Form EC8A, which election officials will continue to complete at polling units. The manual form will serve as a fallback, ensuring that results remain verifiable should the electronic system encounter difficulties.
Senators who spoke on the floor emphasized the need for robust infrastructure and thorough training for electoral officials to support the new system. The resolution calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite preparations and public sensitization ahead of nationwide implementation.
.jpeg)