Senate Keeps Electronic Election Result Transmission Optional
The Senate voted to retain optional electronic transmission of election results, amending the Electoral Act to include Form EC8A as a backup during internet failures. Last Tuesday, lawmakers passed the amendment allowing electronic transmission while keeping it non-mandatory. During Tuesday's plenary, Abia South Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe demanded mandatory transmission, leading to a five-minute rowdy session. The Senate President conducted a physical division vote: 55 senators supported the optional provision, while 15, including minority members, backed mandatory transmission. The Senate will maintain its earlier position, with EC8A serving as the primary collation document in case of network issues. This decision balances technological adoption with electoral integrity, ensuring results can be recorded at polling units even during connectivity problems.