JUST IN: Senate minority caucus insists election results transmission was retained in Electoral Act

The Senate minority caucus has said provisions for electronic transmission of election results were retained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed by the upper chamber.

The clarification follows public criticism after reports claimed lawmakers rejected electronic transmission of election results.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday, Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Senate minority leader, said the caucus was compelled to address what he described as widespread misunderstanding of proceedings at Wednesday’s plenary.

His words: “Since yesterday, the media has been awash with reports suggesting that the Senate rejected the electronic transmission of election results. That is not correct.

“To put the record straight, the Senate did not — I repeat, did not — reject electronic transmission of results as provided for in the 2022 Electoral Act.”

Abaribe said the Senate passed provisions supporting electronic transmission of results, adding that the position was clarified by the Senate President during plenary.

He said lawmakers considered it necessary to address the issue in the interest of transparency and public trust.

Abaribe outlined the legislative process leading to the decision, beginning with deliberations by the joint committee of the senate and house of representatives on electoral matters.

He said the committee held retreats involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations.

“At the end of those retreats, everyone agreed that electronic transmission of results was the way to go. That position was reflected in the reports presented to both chambers,” he said.

He added that the process involved debates, public hearings and consultations, describing electronic transmission as a core provision.

Following the submission of the Senate committee on electoral matters’ report, Abaribe said an ad hoc committee chaired by Senator Sadiq Umar was constituted to further review the report.

“The closed session was held to tidy up all outstanding issues so that when we returned to plenary, the bill could be passed without rancour,” he stated.

Abaribe said the Senate committee, ad hoc committee and senators at the executive session unanimously agreed on electronic transmission of results as contained in Section 65 of the bill.

“At plenary yesterday, we passed the electronic transmission of results. However, because of movement and noise in the chamber, it appeared to some that something went wrong,” he revealed.

He said senators later sought confirmation and were reassured, adding that video records showed the Senate President affirming that electronic transmission of results was passed.

Abaribe said a harmonisation committee was established to reconcile differences between the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the bill, particularly on timelines.

“The role of the harmonisation committee is to reconcile differences between both versions and produce a single document for presidential assent,” he noted.

He said the Senate is yet to adopt its votes and proceedings, which is required before harmonisation can commence.

Abaribe assured that the Senate would reconvene to adopt the votes and proceedings to reflect the provision on electronic transmission of results.