The Senate on Tuesday gave a legislative approval for the Independent National Electoral Commission to adopt either manual or electronic transmission of election results.

The decision of the Upper Chamber runs contrary to its earlier stand resolution, directing INEC to obtain approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and the National Assembly.

Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) the debate in a motion titled: “Motion for recommittal” sponsored by the Senate Leader.

“Desirous of the need to address the observation by the Committee and make necessary amendments; and

“Relying on order 1(b) and 53(6) of Senate Standing Order.

“Accordingly resolves to: Rescind its decision on the affected Clauses of the Bill as passed and re-commit same to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and passage.”

Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders reads: “In all cases not provided for hereinafter or by Sessional or other Orders or practice of the Senate shall by Resolution regulate its procedure.

Also, Order 53(6) of the Senate Standing Orders reads: “It shall be out of order to attempt to reconsider any specific question upon which the Senate has come to a conclusion during the current session except upon a substantive motion for rescission”.

The approval followed an amendment to Clause 52(3) of the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill by Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North) during the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), according to multiple sources.

“The Commission (INEC) may transmit results of elections by electronic means where and when practicable”, as contained in the Committee’s report earlier recommended Clause 52(3).

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