No ‘Real-Time’ Transmission: INEC clarifies results protocol for FCT council poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified its result transmission protocol for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, stating that results will be uploaded after counting and signing at polling units, not in real time as some have assumed.

The clarification comes amid widespread public expectations that INEC’s result transmission system allows for instant, real-time uploading of results as votes are being counted. The commission sought to correct this misconception ahead of Saturday’s FCT council polls to prevent confusion and manage expectations.

In a statement issued by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the commission explained that its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result transmission process follows a specific sequence that ensures accuracy, transparency, and adherence to electoral regulations before results can be uploaded to the commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

According to INEC’s protocol, after voting concludes and counting is completed at each polling unit, results are first recorded on the EC8A result sheet, which must be signed by polling officials and party agents present. Only after this verification and documentation process is completed can the results be uploaded electronically via BVAS to the IReV portal.

“There is no real-time transmission happening while votes are being counted,” Olumekun explained. “The process requires that counting be completed, results entered on forms, verified by agents, and signed before electronic transmission occurs. This ensures accuracy and allows for the necessary checks and balances in the system.”

The clarification is significant because misconceptions about “real-time” transmission have previously led to unrealistic expectations among voters and political stakeholders, who sometimes expect to see results appear online immediately as counting begins. When results don’t appear as quickly as anticipated, it can fuel suspicions of manipulation or technical failures.

INEC emphasized that the result transmission technology is designed to enhance transparency and reduce opportunities for result manipulation between polling units and collation centers, but it does not eliminate the necessary procedural steps that ensure accuracy and accountability in the electoral process.

The commission also noted that the speed at which results appear on the IReV portal depends on several factors including network connectivity in different locations, the efficiency of polling officials, and the time required for proper documentation and verification at each polling unit.

For the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, INEC has assured stakeholders that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure smooth deployment of materials, personnel, and technology. The commission urged voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise peacefully.

Political parties participating in the FCT council elections have been briefed on the result transmission protocol and encouraged to ensure their agents are present at polling units to witness the counting process and sign result sheets before electronic transmission occurs.

Civil society election observers have welcomed INEC’s clarification, noting that managing public expectations about electoral processes is crucial for maintaining confidence in the system. They urged the commission to continue public education efforts to help voters understand how elections are conducted and results are transmitted.

The FCT Area Council elections will serve as an important test of INEC’s electoral technology and processes ahead of the 2027 general elections. Observers will be watching closely to assess the commission’s readiness and identify any areas requiring improvement.

INEC has called on voters, party agents, and observers to report any irregularities or challenges they encounter during the voting and counting process through the commission’s designated channels. The commission pledged to address any issues promptly to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.

As the FCT prepares for Saturday’s polls, the clarification on result transmission protocols represents INEC’s effort to promote transparency and prevent the spread of misinformation that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.