INEC Warns of Election Tech Glitches Amid Infrastructure Hurdles

An Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, Muhammed Haruna, has cautioned that technological systems in elections will inevitably encounter operational glitches, emphasizing the need for a gradual approach to implementation. His remarks follow the recent passage and presidential assent of the amended Electoral Act.

Commissioner Haruna made the statement during an interview on Trust TV, which was monitored by Media Talk Africa. He was responding to the National Assembly’s passage and President Bola Tinubu’s subsequent signing of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill. The President approved the legislation less than 24 hours after its passage by the legislature.

According to Haruna, a common misconception is that technology provides a flawless, universal solution for electoral processes. He argued that Nigeria’s existing infrastructural deficits complicate even basic results transmission from polling units. “There will always be glitches,” he stated. “Gradual implementation of technology is crucial, especially given existing infrastructure challenges.”

He explained that introducing additional technological layers, such as the aggregation of all polling unit data at the ward level before transmission, would intensify these existing difficulties. The commissioner noted that INEC already faces significant challenges in transmitting simple polling unit results, and adding complexity could exacerbate failures.

The amended Electoral Act introduces provisions to further incorporate technology into Nigeria’s electoral framework. Commissioner Haruna’s commentary highlights a practical tension between legislative ambition and on-ground operational capacity. His view underscores INEC’s likely advocacy for a measured, phased rollout of any new electronic systems to safeguard the integrity and credibility of future electoral exercises, including the 2027 general elections.

The agency’s caution points to the critical need for concurrent investment in robust technological infrastructure and training ahead of any major digital expansion in the electoral process. This balanced approach aims to mitigate risks while incrementally enhancing transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s voting system.