The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is now free to transmit election results electronically.

This is based on resolution by the Senate on Tuesday stating that the INEC is free to choose the mode of transmission of results during elections, which may include either electronic transmission or manual transmission. This represents a reversal of its earlier resolution, which stated that INEC could transmit election results electronically with approval from the NCC.

“Motion for recommittal,” sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Yahaya Abdullahi, triggered the Upper Chamber’s resolutions after the Senate Leader moved the motion.

In his opening statement, Abdullahi stated that the Senate “recalls that the Electoral Act No. 6, 2010 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2021 was passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”

“Observes that following a critical examination of the Bill by the Senate Committee on INEC, some fundamental issues were identified that necessitated the passage of new legislation on the following clauses: 43, 52, 63, and 87.”

“Concerned about the necessity of responding to the Committee’s observation and making the necessary amendments; and “I’m relying on Senate Standing Orders 1(b) and 53(6) to support my position. Consequently, the Committee of the Whole resolves to Rescind its decision on the affected Clauses of the Bill as passed and re-commit the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and passage.”

For more information, see Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders, which states: “In all cases not provided for hereinafter, by Sessional or other Orders, or by the practice of the Senate, the procedure of the Senate shall be regulated by Resolution.”

The Senate’s Standing Orders state that it is “out of order” to attempt to reconsider any specific question on which the Senate has decided during the current session unless a substantive motion for rescinding the decision has been made in support of the motion.

After Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North) proposed an amendment to Clause 52(3) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill during the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (Senate Committee on the INEC), the amendment was approved (INEC).

Initial recommendations made by the Committee included a provision in Clause 52(3) that “The Commission (INEC) may transmit results of elections by electronic means wherever and whenever practicable.