The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Senate for rejecting electronic transmission of results while passing the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, describing the upper chamber’s action as harmful to democratic consolidation.
The statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, reads, “This rejection is most shameful and unfortunate, attracting condemnation from all democratic-minded persons.
“We charge our lawmakers to remember that they are delegates of power invested in them by the voters in their various constituencies and must endeavour to mirror their desires and wishes at all times. It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians across the 109 Senatorial Districts desire electoral sanctity, which is better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of votes from the polling units. We are all witnesses to the widespread practice of altering results before they get to the collation centre or at the collation centre. This electronic transmission would have brought an end to this ignoble practice, deployed by politicians to win elections against the wishes of the people as expressed at the ballot.
“This rejection is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation. This is indeed a sad day for electoral democracy. We hereby call the National Assembly to immediately reconsider its stand on this matter and take steps to pass the amendment approving the electronic transmission of results.
“This is the minimum amendment. That can increase faith in the electoral process, without which the apathy will be worse than the last general election, which is greatly unhelpful to democracy.”
