All You Need to Know About Electronic Transmission of Election Results IReV

Electronic Transmission of Results (IReV)
The process of uploading polling unit results digitally to INEC’s online platform instead of transporting them only by paper.

Polling Unit
The specific location where voters cast their ballots and votes are counted.

Presiding Officer
The INEC official in charge of a polling unit who records and transmits results.

Accredited Voters
The total number of voters verified and allowed to vote, usually using the BVAS device.

BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System)
INEC’s device that confirms voter identity using fingerprints and facial recognition.

IReV Portal (INEC Result Viewing Portal)
An online platform where uploaded polling unit results are made visible to the public.

Form EC8A
The official physical result sheet used at the polling unit. It remains a legal backup if electronic transmission fails.

Collation
The process of aggregating results from polling units to ward, local government, state, and national levels.

Network Failure / Connectivity Issues
Situations where poor internet coverage prevents successful result upload.

INEC Guidelines
Operational rules issued by INEC explaining how elections and result transmission must be conducted.

What to Do When There Is a Glitch

When electronic transmission fails due to network or technical issues, the following steps apply:

The Presiding Officer documents the failure immediately.
Physical results are properly entered on Form EC8A.
Party agents and observers are allowed to view and verify the form.
Form EC8A is signed by relevant officers at the polling unit.
Results are moved for manual collation as permitted by law.
The electronic upload can be attempted later when connectivity improves, where allowed by INEC.
Courts and collation officers rely on the physical form if disputes arise.

This ensures elections are not cancelled simply because of poor network coverage.

Body Responsible for Electronic Transmission

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

INEC is legally responsible for:

Designing the electronic transmission process
Managing the IReV portal
Issuing guidelines on result uploads
Training presiding officers
Deciding how electronic and manual results are harmonised

No other agency controls or interprets election result transmission.

What This Means for the Future of Democracy in Nigeria

The adoption of electronic transmission marks a significant step forward, but it is not a total solution.

Positive Democratic Impact

Enhances transparency by allowing public access to results
Reduces the risk of result alteration during physical movement
Builds public trust when uploads are timely
Makes election monitoring easier for citizens and observers

Ongoing Challenges

Uneven internet access across rural communities
Dependence on INEC’s internal guidelines
Possible disputes when electronic and manual results differ
Need for improved technical capacity and infrastructure

What Nigerians Should Expect Going Forward

Gradual improvement rather than instant perfection
Stronger legal and institutional frameworks over time
Increased pressure on INEC to act impartially and efficiently
Greater civic participation and scrutiny of election outcomes

Conclusion

Electronic transmission of election results is a tool for transparency, not a magic solution. When properly implemented and supported with strong institutions, it strengthens Nigeria’s democratic system. When poorly managed, it can still lead to disputes.

The future of democracy in Nigeria will depend not only on technology, but on integrity, enforcement of the law, and the political will to respect the will of voters.

All You Need to Know About Electronic Transmission of Election Results IReV