Electronic Transmission Of Results Now Mandatory, Reps Declare

The Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, on Tuesday reiterated that the electronic transmission of election results is mandatory under the Electoral Act Amendment Bill recently passed by the National Assembly.

According to Ireporter Online, Rotimi made the clarification during an interview on Arise Television amid ongoing discussions over the harmonisation of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill. He emphasized that the requirement for electronic transmission is explicitly outlined in the provisions approved by lawmakers.

“Transmission of election results electronically is mandatory. It is clearly stated in the provisions passed by the National Assembly,” Rotimi said. “The presiding officer shall electronically transmit the results from its polling unit to the IREV portal.”

He further explained that the House and Senate had initially passed separate versions of the bill, which contained differences in certain clauses. “In December, the House of Representatives passed a version of the bill. The Senate also recently passed a version which differed in certain provisions. As per Senate rule and the House of Representatives standing order, it required that a committee be set up to harmonise the positions, which included members from both chambers,” he said.

Rotimi disclosed that the members of the conference committee met and extensively reviewed the disputed provisions. “The members of this committee met and considered this provision extensively. But during the period while they were still meeting, INEC made the announcement of the electoral timetable,” he added.