Nov. 9, 2021

The Senate on Tuesday passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and approved the electronic transmission of results.

This is coming as the lawmakers resumed plenary after 3 weeks of recess.

Recall that the Senate in October rescinded its position on clause for voting, transmission of electronic result which empowered Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) to determine suitability of transmission of results, subject to approval of National Assembly.

Most Nigerians had questioned the decision, saying that it was meant to undermine and erode the constitutional powers of INEC to conduct elections in Nigeria.

The Senate’s decision followed consideration and approval of motion on “Re-Commital of Some Clauses of the Electoral Act repeal and Re-enactment Bill 2021” at plenary on Tuesday.

Senate had on July 15, amended clause 52(3) of the bill to empower NCC to determine suitability of network for transmission of results electronically with the approval of National Assembly.

Clause 52(3) of the draft bill had originally prescribed that INEC shall determine voting at election and transmission of results, which may include electronic voting.

The clause was however, amended to empower NCC to determine suitability of network for electronic election processes with approval of National Assembly.

Senate’s decision had afterwards generated unpleasant debates among Nigerians and civil society groups.

Presenting the motion for re-commital of some of clauses on Electoral Act repeal and re-enactment bill 2021, Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar (APC-Kebbi) said after critical examination of the bill by Senate Committee on INEC, noted that there were some fundamental issues which required fresh legislative action on some clauses.

The clauses according to Abubakar are 43, 52, 63, and 87.

He said there was need to address the observation by the committee and make necessary amendments based on order 1 (b) and 53(6) of the Senate standing order.

“Senate accordingly rescinds it’s decision on the affected clauses of the bill as passed and re-commit same to the committee of the whole for consideration and passage ,” Abubakar said.