49% Polling Units Lack Facilities for Transmitting Electoral Results – NCC
PELUMI OLALEYE
The House of Representative has summoned the Nigerian Communications Commission recently, over the adaptation of electronic devices for the transmission of electoral results.
According to the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, a representative of the commission, less than 50 percent of the country enjoys 3G internet coverage for which electronic transmission could rely on.
The Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. UbaleMaska, while responding to a question on nationwide service coverage, noted that the commission conducted a survey in 2018.
He explained to the House that in 2018, the commissiondiscovered that 109,000 polling units, of the country’s 119,000 polling units, which is 50.3 percent of the entire country had 3G and 2G network facilities.
He also mentioned that, 49.7 percent of the national spread did not have internet coverage, which will be required for real time electronic transmission of electoral result.
He also noted that only 3G technology could be used foreffective electronic transmission of results, and he wished the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was around to explain further.
Another twit by Great oracle said “Before INEC can transmit electronically, NCC must adjudge national coverage is adequate and secure, and National Assembly must approve. The above proviso of Section 52(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 is in conflict with Section 78 of the Constitution 1999”.
