President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, has commended the Nigerian Senate for allowing the inclusion of the use of electronic voting and transmission in the coming elections, after its earlier rejection.
Okei-Odumakin gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) against the backdrop of the Senate approval of the use of e-voting and transmission.
The Upper Chamber of the National Assembly had earlier backtracked its decision on amendment of some clauses in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill that was passed.
The Electoral Act, clause 52 had been in contention over the use of electoral voting and subsequent transfer of results which had earlier been rejected by the Red Chamber.
The Act which deals with the methods of voting and collation of election results was amended to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), determine the use of electronic voting and transfer of results.
Okei-Odumakin praised the Senate for heeding to the yearnings of the populace and allowing the wish of the electorates to prevail in forming their decision.
“The Senate’s decision is welcome for two principal reasons: First, it shows that the Senate is sensitive to public opinion. So, it has bowed to public opinion on the subject.
“Public opinion was clearly against an earlier decision of the National Assembly rejecting the electronic transmission of results, she said.
Okei-Odumakin added, “Independent National Electoral Commission says it has the capability to transmit election results electronically.
“Both INEC and the public think it will reduce election rigging and make the process more open, transparent and credible. So, why was the NASS initially swimming against the tide?
