Dr. Ernest Iyere Ahamioje Commends Senate on Balanced Electoral Reform

Dr. Ernest Iyere Ahamioje Commends Senate on Balanced Electoral Reform

Dr. Ernest Iyere Ahamioje, Edo State House of Assembly hopeful for Esan South East Constituency, has commended the Nigerian Senate for its forward-looking decision to uphold electronic transmission of election results while approving a manual backup mechanism to address potential technical challenges.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dr. Ahamioje described the Senate’s resolution as a “pragmatic and responsible step” that strengthens public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and reflects a mature understanding of the country’s technological realities.

“The Senate has demonstrated commendable leadership by reinforcing electronic transmission as the primary mode for conveying election results, while also providing a clearly defined manual safeguard in the event of technical failure,” he said. “This balanced approach protects the integrity of the vote and ensures that no legitimate electoral outcome is jeopardized by unforeseen communication challenges.”

Dr. Ahamioje noted that the clarification of Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which recognizes duly completed and authenticated Form EC8 as the basis for collation where electronic transmission is unsuccessful, enhances transparency and accountability at the polling unit level.

According to him, the requirement that result sheets be completed, stamped, signed by presiding officers, and countersigned by party agents provides an additional layer of credibility that aligns with international best practices in election management.

He further praised the Senate for handling the matter through open legislative deliberation, describing it as a reflection of democratic maturity and institutional stability.

“As Nigeria continues to deepen its democracy, reforms such as this—anchored in technology yet safeguarded by verifiable manual processes—are essential. The Senate’s decision sends a reassuring message to citizens, stakeholders, and the international community that our democratic institutions are committed to credible, transparent, and resilient elections,” Dr. Ahamioje added.

Dr. Ahamioje urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the amended provisions, emphasizing that sound legislation must be matched by diligent execution to deliver credible elections.

He reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and electoral integrity, expressing optimism that such reforms will contribute to more inclusive, transparent, and trustworthy electoral outcomes across the country.