Electoral Act Amendment Sparks Fresh Debate Over Technology and Trust in Nigeria’s Elections

BVAS+iREV technology remains at the center of Nigeria’s electoral reform debate as lawmakers consider amendments to the Electoral Act.

Debate grows over tech gaps and electoral reforms as Nigeria reviews amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act.

Electoral Act Amendment Reignites Trust Debate in Nigeria

Fresh moves to amend Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022 have reopened an old debate about trust, technology, and transparency in the country’s elections. The discussions come amid concerns about how elections are conducted, especially the use of technology for transmitting results.

At the centre of the debate is a simple question: Is Nigeria’s limited technology penetration being used as an excuse for electoral manipulation?

Observers say the controversy highlights a deeper problem, a lack of trust between political actors, institutions, and citizens.

The Background

Electoral Act 2022 and Technology

The Electoral Act 2022 was widely seen as a major reform. One of its key features was the legal backing for electronic transmission of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Electronic transmission was introduced to reduce manual interference in the collation process.

Before the reform, results were often moved physically from polling units to collation centres, a stage many Nigerians believed was vulnerable to tampering. However, Nigeria still faces infrastructure challenges. Internet coverage is uneven, especially in rural communities. Power supply remains unstable in many areas.

These gaps have raised concerns about whether nationwide electronic transmission can work smoothly during elections. Some lawmakers and political actors argue that poor connectivity makes full electronic transmission unreliable. Others insist that technology challenges should not become an excuse to weaken transparency.

Trust Deficit in the Political System

The renewed debate reflects what many describe as a “trust deficit” in Nigeria’s political space. Elections in Nigeria have historically been contentious. Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, several polls have been challenged in court. Allegations of vote buying, result manipulation, and violence have shaped public perception.

The introduction of technology, such as biometric voter accreditation and electronic result uploads, was meant to rebuild public confidence. But disagreements over how and when technology should be used have kept suspicion alive. 

Critics say that rolling back or weakening electronic transmission could damage public trust. Supporters of amendments argue that reforms must consider practical realities, including infrastructure limitations.

Technology Penetration in Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the largest populations in Africa, with significant urban growth. Yet digital access remains uneven. Major cities enjoy strong mobile network coverage and internet access. In contrast, many remote communities struggle with poor connectivity. Elections must take place in every ward and polling unit across the country, and this makes technology deployment complex and expensive.

The key issue is whether infrastructure gaps justify limiting electronic processes or whether government should invest more to fix the gaps.

Beyond Politicking and Accountability

The controversy also touches on broader issues of accountability. In political conversations, some critics use terms that suggest internal bargaining and power games behind the scenes. For many Nigerians, the fear is that technology debates may mask deeper political interests.

Civil society groups have repeatedly called for greater transparency in election management, clearer communication from INEC, and consistent application of rules.

Key Details

1. Nigeria is considering amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
2. The 2022 law allows electronic transmission of election results.
3. Lawmakers are debating the reliability of technology across the country.
4. Concerns centre on poor internet coverage in rural areas.
5. The debate reflects wider trust issues in Nigeria’s political system.

INTERNATIONAL CONCERN

Technology in elections is not unique to Nigeria. Many countries now use electronic systems for voter registration, accreditation, and result transmission. However, developing countries often face infrastructure challenges similar to Nigeria’s. In parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, connectivity gaps and power supply issues complicate digital election systems.

Globally, election credibility increasingly depends on transparency and real-time result reporting. International observers often assess not just the voting process but also how results are transmitted and verified.

For Nigeria, credible elections are closely linked to political stability and economic confidence. Investors monitor political risk. Disputed elections can slow economic activity and weaken investor sentiment. Nigeria’s size and influence in West Africa also mean that its electoral practices set a regional example. If technology strengthens transparency, it could boost Nigeria’s democratic reputation. If reforms are seen as weakening accountability, it may raise concerns domestically and abroad.

WHAT THIS MEANS

First, the debate shows that election reform is still a work in progress. Passing a law is only one step; but implementation is equally important. Secondly, infrastructure investment is becoming central to democracy. Reliable electricity, broadband access, and digital systems are no longer just economic tools, they are democratic tools.

Finally, public trust remains fragile. Any change to electoral procedures will likely face close scrutiny from voters, civil society, and political parties.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT

1. Details of proposed amendments in the National Assembly.
2. INEC’s official position on technology use in future elections.
3. Reactions from political parties and civil society groups.
4. Possible timelines for implementing any approved changes.
5. Budget allocations for digital election infrastructure.

FAQ:

Q1: What is the Electoral Act 2022?

A: It is one of Nigeria’s main law governing elections to be harmonized, including voting procedures and result transmission.

Q2: Why is electronic transmission important?

A: It reduces manipulations and mishandling of results and is meant to improve transparency and credibility.

Q3: What is the main concern in the current debate?

A: Whether poor technology penetration should limit electronic result transmission in elections.