The Nigerian Senate has announced its intention to amend the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission of results compulsory in forthcoming elections starting from 2027. Senators also proposed the uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used at various levels of result collation to allow for diaspora voting, particularly for presidential elections, to enable more citizens to vote. These proposals were made in a communiqué issued at the end of the Senate’s retreat in Ikot Ikpene, Akwa-Ibom State.
The Senate suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be unbundled to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency in preparing and conducting elections.
The communiqué also recommended that clarity should be provided in Section 64 of the EA22 regarding the use of technology in elections. The proposed amendments would also introduce sanctions for political parties that fail to submit the register of party members not later than 30 days before the date of party primaries, congresses, or conventions as stipulated in Section 77(3) EA22.
Furthermore, the Senate noted that it was time to develop a comprehensive national security strategy that outlines the nation’s security objectives, threats, and policy priorities. Such a strategy could serve as a guiding framework for legislative action in the security sector.