After months of public outcry from the general public over the resolution of the Senate on electronic transmission of election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be determined by the by the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, subject to approval by the National Assembly, the upper chamber Tuesday rescind its decision.
The Senate had in July during consideration of report on 2010 Electoral Act (Amendment ) Bill 2021 submitted by its Commitee on INEC, amended clause 52(3) as recommended.
While the clause as presented by the committee in the report, the Senate said that the INEC can transmit election results electronically where and when practicable.
The Senate passed the amended version which said that the ” INEC can transmit election results electronically subject to confirmation of the NCC for adequate Network .
The House of Representatives at the time adopted the clause as originally recommended by committees of both Chambers on INEC.
Since this resolution, the Senate has received criticism from civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians mandating the lawmakers to reverse its decision which led to the decision of the upper House to bow to pressure to amend the controversial clause of 52(3).
With this new amendment, the INEC has the constitutional mandate to determine the transmission of election results.