The Senate Committee on election Matters has presented revolutionary suggestions to reform Nigeria’s voting procedures in order to improve openness and efficiency in the country’s election process.
The committee, lead by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, revealed plans to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) release election results online mandatory.
Senator Alli stated this in a Channels Television interview on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
The law does not currently require this move, but the committee is actively working on modifying legislation to make this crucial step mandatory.
Senator Alli stated, “Under current law, INEC is not required to upload results; that is what the court has said.” However, it will become essential in the future.”
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The committee has proposed a complete package of electoral reforms in addition to the mandate for online result uploading.
One major plan seeks to settle all pre-election conflicts before election day. They also propose for the completion of election petitions prior to swearing-in ceremonies, which could reduce the necessity for off-cycle elections owing to unresolved disputes.
Furthermore, the committee is proposing for a strict timeframe for filing and resolving election petitions in order to avoid unneeded political turbulence.
Senator Alli emphasized the significance of improving electoral technology while acknowledging previous technological shortcomings.
He mentioned previous disappointments with the IReV system and promised to work hard to ensure that INEC makes significant changes in this area.
He stated that the emphasis is on developing dependable, efficient, and trustworthy technical methods in order to reestablish trust in the voting process among the Nigerian people.
According to him, if these recommended reforms are implemented, they will alter Nigeria’s electoral environment, promoting better accountability, openness, and public trust in the electoral system.
