The Supreme Court has recently issued a ruling addressing the significance of the IREV portal in the collation of election results, emphasizing that the failure of the IREV system does not halt the overall result collation process. In this report, we will delve into the key points raised by the Supreme Court and the implications of their decision.
The Supreme Court made it clear that the IREV portal should not be viewed as a decisive tool for result collation. While the IREV portal serves as a valuable component of the electoral process, its failure should not impede the collation of results.
This ruling clarifies that the IREV portal, while essential, is not the sole method for result aggregation and transmission.
It is worth noting that the non-functionality of the IREV portal may potentially affect voter confidence in the electoral process. In cases where technology failures or glitches occur, voters may become apprehensive about the integrity of the results. Therefore, it is imperative for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address such issues promptly to maintain public trust in the election system.
Justice Okoro, a member of the Supreme Court, emphasized that INEC has the prerogative to choose the form in which they want to transmit election results.
This means that the electoral body is granted flexibility in determining the most appropriate means of transmitting results, which can include both technological and manual methods. This flexibility is essential to adapt to various circumstances and ensure the credibility of the election process.
The Supreme Court’s ruling clarifies the role of the IREV portal in the collation of election results, asserting that its failure should not halt the overall process. It also underscores the importance of maintaining voter confidence and affirms INEC’s authority to choose the transmission method that best serves the electoral system’s needs.
This decision aims to strike a balance between technology and traditional methods, ensuring the integrity of election results in Nigeria.
