Weeks after Festus Okoye, national commissioner of INEC, said there is a provision in clause 63 that contradicts the provision for electronic transmission of result in clause 52 of the electoral act.
On Tuesday, Attahiru Jega stated there is a need to harmonize the terms of the act in order to eliminate ambiguity and contradictions in election operations.
He encouraged the bicameral assembly’s harmonisation committees to give INEC’s suggestions “serious consideration.”
Any section of the legislation that contradicts the use of electronic transmission of results for the 2023 elections, according to the former INEC chief, must be revised.
“This country would be better off if the national assembly could continue to be open to genuine public concerns in the way they approach their laws,” he remarked.
“There is a need to harmonise provision of the electoral act so that one provision does not contradict another and so that at the end of it those that want to cause mischief will not exploit the ambiguity and contradictory provisions in the law.
“It behooves the two committees of the house and senate that are sitting to harmonise the provisions of the bill to also give serious consideration to suggestions made by INEC.
“It is a value addition that can continue to improve the operations and conduct of elections in our country.
“There is no doubt that we have to go in the direction of electronic transmission of results and where there is any provision that can affect or negate or constrain that effort to transmit results electronically, those provisions need to be carefully looked at and then necessary amendments also exerted.
“The national assembly needs to pay attention to the very important issue that has been raised.
“The harmonisation committee of the national assembly should do the needful in addressing these provisions of the electoral bill that are being raised by INEC.
“In creating a legal framework for the operations of election, it is important that the national assembly listens to the recommendation of INEC.”
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