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Why I voted for electronic transmission of election results – Sen Balogun

Balogun

Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan

The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, Engineer Kola Mohammed Balogun, has disclosed that he voted for electronic transmission of election results because of the desire of the people of his senatorial district to see improved electoral system come 2023.

Senator Balogun made this disclosure while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the weekend.

It would be recalled that the Senate ruled out the possibility of having election results transmitted electronically, when it voted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with the National Assembly’s approval, would determine whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could transmit election results electronically or not.

The senator explained that voting in favour of election results to be transmitted electronically would promote democracy in Nigeria and ensure free, fair and credible elections for the nation, adding that supporting the bill on the floor of the Senate was one of the essence of his representation at the red chamber, “not minding the attitudes and responses of majority of the senators.”

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He stated that for Nigeria to progress and witness expected development, it was important for the people to put aside all forms of personal or party interests and do what was right, irrespective of the difficulties.

Senator Balogun expressed surprise that Nigeria, as a nation, was still at a primitive stage of discussing whether or not to transmit election results electronically, when countries like Ghana, South Africa and some other Africa nations started doing that years ago.

Speaking on the future of the electoral system in Nigeria, especially concerning 2023, the former commissioner in the Oyo State expressed the belief that there might not be significant changes, if things continued the way they were, adding that what the National Assembly members had done was unconstitutional.

He added that individuals or groups might soon drag the National Assembly to a court of law for acting against the nation’s constitution on the course of action over the electronic transmission of election results.

Senator Balogun emphasised on the need for political office holders and representatives of the people to live above board and initiate people-driven laws and policies aimed at creating conducive atmosphere, providing employment for the unemployed and attracting more serious-minded people into politics for the peace, growth and development of the society.

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Ihesiulo Grace

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