Senate Flags Network Gaps as Major Hurdle to Real-Time Transmission of Election Results

The Nigerian Senate has raised serious concerns over the feasibility of real-time electronic transmission of election results, citing network connectivity as a major stumbling block.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, told Arise Television on Thursday that the success of electronic result transmission hinges on the availability of reliable network across the country.

He explained that numerous polling units in Nigeria still lack network coverage, a situation that renders real-time reporting practically impossible.

“Network is a great challenge to the real-time electronic transmission of election results. If there is no network, these portals will not open, which means the real-time has already been defeated,” Adaramodu said.

The lawmaker added that attempts to upload results from areas with network availability could spark disputes, as losing parties may claim foul play. “When the portal is not open and the presiding officer says he’s going to where there’s network to upload, somebody who has lost in that polling unit may begin to grumble that they want to rig him out. That’s the problem,” he stressed.

The development comes a day after the Senate rejected a proposed amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3, of the Electoral Amendment Bill, which sought to mandate the electronic transmission of election results.

Civil society groups, political parties, and election observers have continued to react to the Senate’s decision, with calls for a careful balance between technology and practical realities in Nigeria’s electoral process.