Senator Dickson Criticises Senate’s Caveat on Electronic Result Transmission
Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson has rejected a key provision in the Senate’s amended Electoral Act, arguing that a caveat allowing paper forms as a backup for electronic transmission weakens the country’s electoral framework. The senator, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated he would have supported the House of Representatives’ version, which mandated unconditional electronic transmission of results from polling units.
The Senate recently reversed its earlier rejection of electronic transmission but included a clause that permits Form EC8A—the primary result document signed at polling units—to serve as the main collation tool if internet connectivity fails. Dickson contended this exception risks becoming the norm, undermining the push for real-time monitoring. “Laws are made for general rules, not exceptions,” he said, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure officials transmit results electronically regardless of network challenges.
Form EC8A is the foundational record of votes at each polling station and is critical in election petitions. Advocates for mandatory electronic transmission argue it prevents manipulation during the collation process at ward and local government centres. Dickson acknowledged this concern but maintained that the introduction of INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV) already addresses it by enabling real-time tracking from polling units upwards. “Results will still be transmitted electronically to IREV,” he noted, adding that this allows parties to independently collate outcomes and deter “brigandage” at collation hubs.
However, Dickson admitted the opposition lacked the numerical strength in the Senate to secure the unconditional mandate originally agreed upon in committee. “This was the best we could get under the circumstances,” he said, describing the outcome as a workable, if imperfect, step forward.
He called on Nigerians to mobilise at polling stations, vote for credible candidates, and insist their results are uploaded to IREV. The senator also pressed INEC to issue strict guidelines requiring presiding officers to electronically transmit results post-voting, effectively enforcing real-time reporting. While the amendment does not make transmission mandatory, Dickson believes the combined effect of the law and INEC’s guidelines will compel compliance.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between ensuring technological resilience and preventing electoral fraud. The final conference committee report will determine whether the Senate’s caveated version or the House’s stricter mandate prevails. Dickson’s stance underscores persistent calls for robust, transparent processes as Nigeria prepares for future elections.
