The growing opposition by some Nigerian lawmakers to the electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 General Elections raises serious concerns about the future of our elections and electoral transparency in Nigeria.
At a time when public trust in the electoral process remains fragile, any attempt to block real-time electronic transmission of results will undermine ongoing efforts to strengthen the credibility of elections and the general electioneering process. Timely transmission of results is a globally accepted best practice that reduces opportunities for rigging and manipulation of results it enhances accountability, and builds public confidence in election outcomes.
Nigerian lawmakers are elected to represent the interests and aspirations of their constituents, not their own personal interests. Nigerians have repeatedly called for more open, credible, and transparent elections. Denying the use of electronic transmission of results runs contrary to the will of the people and weakens the democratic gains recorded in recent electoral reforms.
Across Africa, several countries have already adopted electronic result transmission or related electoral technologies as part of broader efforts to improve the credibility of their elections. Kenya has implemented electronic results transmission systems alongside biometric voter registration in recent elections. Ghana uses digital platforms to transmit polling-station results to national collation centres. Sierra Leone has used electronic result-tallying systems to enhance transparency. Senegal and the Ivory Coast have also integrated electronic transmission mechanisms within their electoral management processes. And in Southern Africa, Namibia has used electronic voting machines in national elections, demonstrating that African nations have the capacity to adopt technology-driven electoral reforms.
Allowing the real-time electronic transmission of election results will not only improve voters’ confidence in the electoral process but also help reposition Nigeria as a leader in democratic practice on the African continent. This gesture will demonstrate a clear commitment by our legislators to transparency, thereby reducing negative public perceptions of government and public officeholders.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, lawmakers must place national interest above partisan considerations and support reforms that deepen democracy and improve our elections. The electronic transmission of election results is not a threat to democracy; it is a threat to those who seek to hijack our elections and alter election results. The electronic transmission of results is a necessary tool for protecting our democracy.
Signed
Joseph Akujuobi
Communications Officer
For more information
media@promadfoundation.org
+234-818-0177-099
