A coalition of pro-democracy organisations has condemned a plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manually transmit results for the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election.

Development Diaries reports that INEC, through its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC),  Obo Effanga, recently revealed the commission’s plan to manually transmit results for the November poll.

However, in a communique signed by the Niger Delta Democratic Vanguard, the civil society organisations (CSOs) noted that the integrity and credibility of any election depend on the transparency of the electoral process, including the accurate and timely transmission of results.

‘Electronic transmission of results is a vital component of ensuring the authenticity and fairness of elections, and its abandonment would undermine the trust of the electorate, Nigerians and the international community in the electoral process’, the communique read.

It has become clear that using technology to transmit election results can help reduce electoral fraud, foster accountability, and provide the public with more precise and timely results.

The transmission of results electronically also increases electoral process transparency and reduces the possibility of manipulation or tampering with results at different stages.

Development Diaries calls on INEC to reconsider its plan and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in elections.

Photo source: Yemi Festus