2023: INEC Reveals Areas Where E-Transmission Of Election Results Are Possible | DETAILS

By Nancy Okafor:

The Chairman, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has stated that the Electronic transmission (E-Transmission) of 2023 general election results could be achieved currently in over 176,000 locations in Nigeria.

Yakubu while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday noted also that the new Electoral Act, recently signed by president Muhammadu Buhari has boosted the confidence of the INEC in transmitting the 2023 results electronically.

While responding to questions from journalists, Yakubu said from the pilot conducted regarding transmission of results to its Results Viewing Portal, the commission had the capacity to transmit results electronically.

Yakubu said, “From the pilot we have conducted regarding transmitting results to our IREV portal, we have covered all the nook and cranny of Nigeria and we have no challenge whether in the remote areas or urban areas.

 “That has convinced us that we can transmit election results just by uploading polling units results from the over 176,000 locations nationwide.

“Therefore, we are encouraged by the pilot that we have conducted that we have the capacity to transmit results from the polling units nationwide.”

However he said that the commission was working with stakeholders to ensure that it improves on the processes for seamless transmission with the signing of the new Electoral Act.

The INEC chairman said with the new dates, campaign for presidential and National Assembly elections by political parties would now commence on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

Yakubu also said that the notice of election would be published on Monday, while conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them will take place between April 4 and June 3, 2022.

The INEC boss added that submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online portal for presidential and National Assembly elections would commence from 9am on Friday, June 10, 2022 and end by 6pm on Friday, June 17, 2022.

He added, “Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online nomination portal for governorship and state Assembly elections is from 9am on Friday, July 1, 2022 to 6pm on Friday, July 15, 2022.

“Commencement of campaign by political parties for presidential and National Assembly elections will be Wednesday September 28, 2022.

“Commencement of campaign by political parties for governorship and State Assembly elections will start on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

“Last day of campaign by political parties for presidential and National Assembly elections will be midnight on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

 “Last day of campaign by political parties for governorship and state Assembly elections will be midnight on Thursday, March 9, 2023.”

He further said that with the coming into force of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission would work assiduously to conclude and publish new Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections that are consistent with the Act.

“These regulations and guidelines as well as manuals issued by the commission are all part of the legal regulatory framework for elections.

“Their timely publication will enable all stakeholders in the electoral process to become conversant with their provisions as they prepare for the 2023 general elections.

“On this note, I wish to remind stakeholders, especially the political parties, of their responsibility to adhere strictly to the timelines in this Timetable and Schedule of Activities, as well as all other timelines established by the commission,” he added.

The INEC chairman said it was necessary that all political parties comply with the extant legal framework, ensure proper organization and management of party primaries and the nomination of qualified candidates in order to prevent unnecessary litigations and rancor.

He warned politicians and political parties against campaigning before the designated time.

Speaking on whether INEC would sanction erring candidates who would start campaign ahead of the dates, he answered affirmatively.

He said, “This is not just a matter of Electoral Act, it is a constitutional provision that there is a timeframe for the commencement of campaign which is 150 days to the election and there is also a period for end of campaign, which is 24 hours to the election.

“Let me seize this opportunity to call the attention of political parties and candidates that the law makes specific, definite provisions for the commencement of campaigns and end of campaigns and all Nigerians are required to adhere to the provisions of the law, including political parties and candidates.

“We will hold meeting with all parties to discuss not only the issue of campaign but all other issues that require the attention of political parties as provided in the Electoral Act.”