Electronic Transmission Is The Key To Credible Elections – Uwa

Free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria can only be guaranteed by the electronic transmission of election results, according to Etigwe Uwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN).

In a recent interview in Umuahia, Uwa, emphasized the critical role of electronic transmission in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria.

Uwa’s perspective comes in the wake of a Supreme Court verdict on the presidential election, which addressed the issue of electronic result transmission and the power of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the transmission mode.

Uwa pointed out that the Electoral Act of 2022 aimed to address electoral malpractices such as ballot snatching, paper ballot stuffing, result manipulation, and more. However, he lamented that the country still grapples with these issues during elections.

He argued that electronic transmission of election results is essential for ensuring the authenticity of the results at every level, from polling units to local governments, states, and the national collation centers.

Uwa urged the Supreme Court to adopt a purposive interpretation of the law, emphasizing the need to prevent election-related corruption and violence.

In his view, electronic transmission provides a way to cross-check the accuracy of results and reduce electoral malpractices. Uwa also questioned the purpose of the IREV result viewing portal, highlighting that the Electoral Act made provisions for result transmission.

He expressed concerns that the Supreme Court’s decision might encourage ballot box snatching and endanger the lives of electoral officials. He called on those in the justice delivery system to prioritize justice for a functional society and avoid discontent that may arise in the long run due to perceived injustice.

Uwa emphasized that his analysis was not tied to specific politicians but viewed the matter as part of a continuum. He noted that the precedent set by the Supreme Court would remain unless the Electoral Act changes or the court overrules itself.

He also highlighted the positive signs for future electoral reforms in Nigeria and encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope, as countries with credible electoral systems took time to achieve them.