Why National Assembly retained manual transmission in Electoral Act, by Abbas

AI Summary

The House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, explained that the National Assembly decided to keep both manual and electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act. He cited inadequate internet coverage, with about 40% of the country lacking service, as a reason to avoid relying solely on electronic transmission. Abbas warned that limiting results transmission to electronic means could disenfranchise voters and increase apathy, especially in areas with poor connectivity. The hybrid system is intended to ensure broader participation in future elections, and the amended Act will be implemented in upcoming electoral cycles.

Reliability

Reported by 4 sources: The Nation, This Day, ripples, new_telegraph. Also confirmed by businessday.