The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over the Senate’s stance on the transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that it could undermine public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
In a statement released on Monday, the NGE criticized the Senate’s adoption of provisions in the proposed 2022 Electoral Act that allow election results to be transmitted without making it mandatory or immediate. The guild said this position contradicts the demands of most Nigerians and many lawmakers for transparent and timely reporting of election outcomes.
“The resulting public outrage has pitted citizens against the Senate and could potentially discourage voter participation in future elections,” the statement read.
The guild noted that globally, mandatory electronic transmission of election results has become standard practice to ensure electoral credibility and efficiency. It called on the National Assembly to harmonize the Senate’s position with that of the House of Representatives and approve immediate and mandatory transmission of results from polling units to INEC’s central servers and collation centres.
“This decision would lay a solid foundation for free and fair elections and help deepen democracy,” the statement added, emphasizing that digitalized elections would enhance transparency, efficiency, accuracy, and voter confidence while reducing disputes and curbing electoral fraud.
The NGE urged lawmakers to ensure that the harmonized provisions reflect progressive electoral practices and meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Signed by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the statement concluded: “Mandatory and immediate transmission of election results will not only enhance free and fair elections but also give Nigerians the confidence that their votes will truly count.”
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