Electoral Act: Senate in rowdy session over move to rescind vote on electronic transmission

The emergency plenary session became rowdy commotion shortly after the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, moved a motion seeking to rescind the Senate’s previous resolution and amend the Electoral Act to accommodate mandatory electronic transmission of results.

The Senate on Tuesday descended into a rowdy session after some lawmakers protested a move to rescind an earlier decision rejecting mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

The commotion broke out shortly after the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, moved a motion during an emergency plenary seeking to rescind the Senate’s previous resolution and amend the Electoral Act to accommodate mandatory electronic transmission of results.

Mr Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, said the need to rescind the earlier decision was informed by the desire to ensure that the Electoral Act reflects the wishes of the Nigerian people.

The clause under debate provides that presiding officers shall electronically transmit results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV). It further stipulates that where electronic transmission fails or becomes impossible, Form EC8A shall serve as the primary means of result collation.

However, several senators objected to the provision, leading to heated exchanges, shouting, and disorder in the chamber, which temporarily disrupted proceedings.

Details later…