Electronic Transmission Loophole Lets Physical Sheets Override Digital Election Results
Electoral Act 2026 mandates electronic transmission of polling-unit results to the IREV portal but includes a proviso allowing physical result sheets to override electronic transmissions. This creates a vulnerability where altered paper results govern collation even when digital images on IREV show accurate polling unit counts, defeating electronic transmission's purpose of preventing manipulation.
Yiaga Africa's policy brief highlights this loophole as particularly concerning because evidence shows physical result sheets are the classic instrument of election manipulation. With 2027 elections approaching, the opacity in results management processes creates suspicion and misinformation in an environment already characterized by low trust. The good news is INEC can address these weaknesses administratively without waiting for Electoral Act amendments.
INEC should immediately publish comprehensive results transmission protocols in plain language, BVAS accreditation figures alongside polling unit results on IREV, ward and local government collation sheets (Forms EC8B and EC8C), establish clear reconciliation protocols for discrepancies between physical and electronic results, redraft ambiguous regulations to specify transmission purposes and document communication failures, subject systems to independent technical assessment including penetration tests, and formally gazette Regulations with a dedicated results-management manual for officials. These seven steps would make the election results journey visible, predictable and auditable - essential for rebuilding public confidence ahead of 2027.