Several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) wey dey monitor elections and push for better democracy don reject new decision by the Senate to insert caveat for the amended Electoral Act, wey go allow Form EC8A serve as main document for result collation if internet fail.
The groups make their position clear for joint statement wey dem release on Wednesday.
Among the organisations wey sign the statement na Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), ElectHER, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and TAF Africa.
Dem argue say the new clause create serious loophole wey fit weaken electoral integrity and water down the safeguards wey 2022 Electoral Act don already put in place.
According to dem, “Electronic transmission with embedded loopholes undermines electoral integrity. The conditions inside the clause signal electoral setback and weaken the safeguards in the 2022 Electoral Act.”
Recall say on Tuesday, the Senate rescind its earlier decision wey reject mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units go INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) after counting.
Lawmakers later re-amend the bill to allow electronic transmission, but dem add caveat say if internet no dey, Form EC8A go serve as primary source for collation of results.
Even with the adjustment, the amendment no make electronic transmission compulsory. Instead, e allow electronic transmission but still provide alternative if network failure happen.
Form EC8A na the official document wey presiding officer dey use record results immediately after counting for polling unit. For election tribunal cases, courts dey rely well-well on EC8A because na the first official record of votes from source.
Meanwhile, the Senate don set up nine-member harmonisation committee to settle differences between its own version of the bill and the one wey House of Representatives earlier pass.
CSOs Ask NASS to Adopt House Version
The CSOs urge the harmonisation committee to adopt the House of Representatives version wey make electronic transmission mandatory, regardless of internet challenges.
Dem say although dem welcome the Senate decision to reverse its earlier rejection of electronic transmission, the new clause still get serious grey areas.
According to dem, the amendment no clearly define wetin go qualify as “internet failure” or the verification process wey suppose follow if such situation arise.
Dem also express concern say the law no explain clearly how EC8A go automatically become primary source of result if transmission fail.
The groups warn say absence of clear safeguards fit open door for manipulation and defeat the main purpose of electronic transmission.
Dem call on Nigerians, civil society groups, media, tech experts, political parties and citizens to stay alert as the bill move to conference committee stage, insisting say transparency and credibility must guide any final amendment before 2027 general elections.
