The Senate Minority Caucus has clarified that the upper chamber did not reject the electronic transmission of election results, contrary to recent media reports.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a former Senate Minority Leader, said the reports misrepresented Wednesday’s plenary proceedings. He stressed that the Senate passed provisions for the electronic transmission of results, as provided under the 2022 Electoral Act.
“The Senate did not, I repeat, did not reject electronic transmission of results,” Abaribe told journalists on Thursday. He explained that the provision was debated, reviewed by committees, and passed unanimously, though confusion arose during plenary due to movement and noise in the chamber.
He added that a harmonisation committee will reconcile differences between the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, but this cannot happen until the Senate officially adopts the votes and proceedings.
Abaribe noted that electronic transmission of results is a non-negotiable provision aimed at ensuring transparent, free, and fair elections, and that senators across party lines support it.
“The final document must accurately reflect the provision on electronic transmission of results,” he said, stressing that the process is essential for democracy.
