The National Assembly has restored the electronic transmission of results, and the provision granting the Independant National Electoral Commission (INEC) powers to review results declared under duress in the Electoral Bill ahead of tomorrow’s plenary session.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill will be brought before the National Assembly on Thursday where it will be passed into law.

Civil society organisations in the country had accused the legislature of trying to manipulate certain sections of the bill. The CSOs stated that there were discrepancies between the approved version of the bill and the alleged final copy in which some key provisions were changed.

Some of the key provisions that had caused a huge outcry include the prohibition of the electronic transmission of results, the increased limits on campaign expenses, and the rejection of the proposal empowering INEC to review the declaration of scores and return of candidates made by a Returning Officer under duress or contrary to the provisions of the law.

Reacting to the development, YIAGA, a civil society organisation with the goal of building a democratic society, said: “This is another victory for democracy. We must ensure they vote YES at tomorrow’s plenary. Call your rep NOW.”