The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the results of the Kogi State governorship election, scheduled for November 11, will be transmitted electronically directly from polling units to the commission’s server. This move is aimed at enhancing the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, while also preventing rigging, electoral fraud, and other irregularities.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi State, Prof. Gabriel Longpet, made this revelation during a two-day media roundtable Engagement on the Kogi election organized by the Independent Press Center (IPC) in Abuja.
Prof. Longpet highlighted the significance of electronic transmission, stating that it would address common issues that occur between polling units and collation centers. By transmitting the results electronically, the chances of infractions, manipulation, and unauthorized alterations to the results will be minimized.
He emphasized that any results figures on form EC8A that appear mutilated or tampered with would not be allowed according to the electoral laws. Electronic transmission directly to the INEC server would eliminate the need for results to be physically transported, reducing the potential for tampering or manipulation.
In addition to ensuring the integrity of the election results, Prof. Longpet addressed the issue of security, which had marred the 2019 governorship election. He assured the electorate that the security concerns have been thoroughly analyzed and resolved, creating a safe environment for voting.
The state REC reaffirmed that the upcoming Kogi governorship election would prioritize the ballot over violence, emphasizing that the commission’s goal is to ensure that votes count and that the winners are determined through popular votes.
“We have only one message, and the message is that you come out to exercise your franchise,” Prof. Longpet concluded, urging citizens to actively participate in the electoral process to shape the future leadership of Kogi State through their votes.
