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Radio Regulations and Global Spectrum management

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By Sonny Aragba-Akpore.

From January 1, 2025, a new radio regulation management takes root among the 193-member nations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
This is a fall out of the 2024 resolutions of the ITU Radio Regulations,a result of a four-year process after four weeks of negotiations during the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), hosted 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) released on August 28,2024 an updated version of the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

The ITU Radio Regulations govern the global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits for all radio services, systems and applications, including fixed and mobile broadband, satellite systems, sound and TV broadcasting, radionavigation, meteorological monitoring and prediction, space research and Earth exploration, amateur radio services and other topics.

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“The 2024 edition of the Radio Regulations marks a significant milestone in the world of technology,” according to ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “As technological progress advances and the demand for spectrum grows, the international treaty continues to evolve to accommodate new radiocommunication services and applications, minimize interference between services, and ensure equitable access to this essential resource.”

The treaty serves as the cornerstone of international radio frequency management, ensuring that spectrum allocations keep pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape and meet the needs of modern communication systems.

The Radio Regulations are a four-volume treaty of more than 2,000 pages. The treaty establishes the rights and obligations of ITU’s 193 member states and now covers more than 40 different radiocommunication services, spanning frequencies from 8.3 kilohertz (kHz) to 3000 gigahertz (GHz).

The ITU Radio Regulations facilitate equitable access to and rational use of the radio-frequency spectrum and geostationary satellite orbits, both globally shared and limited natural resources; support the efficient and effective operation of all radiocommunication services; and, as necessary, facilitate the introduction and regulation of new radiocommunication services and technologies.

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The international coordination mechanisms enshrined in the ITU-managed treaty promote its objective to ensure the availability of the frequencies provided for distress and safety communications and help prevent or resolve cases of harmful interference between the radio services of different administrations.

The 2024 Radio Regulations are available in all six UN official languages These are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

The correct interpretation and translation of these six languages, in both spoken and written form, is very important to the work of the Organization, because this enables clear and concise communication on issues of global importance.

The ITU said the Radio Regulations documents also available on electronic versions that can be downloaded free of charge while Print and DVD versions will be available for purchase in the coming weeks.

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Treaty provisions also direct how radio equipment and systems must operate to ensure efficient and effective coexistence among various services worldwide and anywhere in space, optimizing the usage of today’s increasingly crowded airwaves.

The 2024 Radio Regulations identify new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.

“The updated Radio Regulations is the result of hard-won agreements reached at WRC-23 and a testament to the unwavering spirit of cooperation and compromise among all of our members to negotiate timely changes to the international treaty,” said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “The updated treaty provides a framework for national spectrum management that aligns with international standards and guarantees the stable, predictable regulatory environment that is essential for the development of innovative radiocommunication services for all.”

Global regulation of the radio spectrum began with the signing of the first International Radio Telegraph Convention in Berlin on November 3,1906 after 30 states came together and agreed on key maritime communications and safety provisions and established “SOS” as a globally recognized distress signal.

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The Radio Regulations, Edition of 2024, contains the complete texts of the Radio Regulations adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference of 1995 (WRC-95) and reviewed by the subsequent World Radiocommunication Conferences: WRC-97 (Geneva, 1997), WRC-2000 (Istanbul, 2000), WRC-03 (Geneva, 2003), WRC-07 (Geneva, 2007), WRC-12 (Geneva, 2012), WRC-15 (Geneva, 2015), WRC-19 (Sharm el-Sheik, 2019) and WRC-23 (Dubai, 2023).
​​World radiocommunication conferences (WRC) are held every three to four years.

It is the job of WRC to review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits. Revisions are made on the basis of an agenda determined by the ITU Council, which takes into account recommendations made by previous world radiocommunication conferences.
The general scope of the agenda of world radiocommunication conferences is established four to six years in advance, with the final agenda set by the ITU Council two years before the conference, with the concurrence of a majority of Member States.

Under the terms of the ITU Constitution, a WRC can:revise the Radio Regulations and any associated Frequency assignment and allotment Plans; address any radiocommunication matter of worldwide character; instruct the Radio Regulations Board and the Radiocommunication Bureau, and review their activities; determine Questions for study by the Radiocommunication Assembly and its Study Groups in preparation for future Radiocommunication Conferences.

On the basis of contributions from administrations, ​the Radiocommunication Study Groups, and other sources is captured in Article 19 of the Convention (Geneva, 1992)) concerning the regulatory, technical, operational and procedural matters to be considered by World and Regional Radiocommunication Conferences, the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) shall prepare a consolidated report to be used in support of the work of such conferences.

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Senate mandates military to free LGs under B’Haram control

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The Senate, on Thursday, called on the Nigerian military to deploy sufficient personnel to reclaim Abadam and Marte Local Government Areas in Borno State, reportedly under the control of Boko Haram insurgents.

During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate acknowledged the significant sacrifices made by the military in combating insurgency but expressed concern over the lingering presence of Boko Haram in the two LGs.

This resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC – Borno North), titled “Need to Deploy Adequate Security Personnel to Endangered Local Government Areas in Borno State.”

Senator Monguno highlighted the challenges Borno State had faced due to prolonged insurgency, commending the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in restoring relative peace.

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However, he raised concerns about the lack of civil authority and military presence in Guzamala, Abadam, and Marte LGAs, which are predominantly agricultural communities.

Marte, in particular, is known for large-scale wheat and rice production.

Monguno stressed that the insecurity in these areas had caused severe hardship, disrupted local economies, and hindered infrastructure development.

He warned that the absence of security personnel might embolden insurgents to target surrounding communities, potentially reversing the gains made in securing the state.

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Backing the motion, Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP – Delta North) emphasised the need for a national dialogue, led by the National Assembly, to understand the root causes of insecurity.

He argued that relying solely on military hardware like attack helicopters was insufficient, urging the government to create platforms for inclusive discussions involving all Nigerians.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC – Edo North) highlighted the need for effective legislative oversight, particularly concerning defence procurements.

He criticised the purchase of Tucano jets instead of attack helicopters, attributing the oversight failure to a lack of scrutiny.

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Senator Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South) pointed out that while there was a task force operating in the Chad region, low morale among personnel remained a significant challenge.

He emphasised the importance of motivating security operatives and criticised the allocation of funds to non-critical areas amid the insecurity crisis.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, thanked Senator Monguno for the motion and commended the military for their sacrifices.

He called on security forces to restore peace to the affected areas, noting the international dimension of insecurity. Barau also praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to address the issue on the global stage.

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In its resolution, the Senate mandated its Committees on Army and Air Force to ensure the implementation of its call for reinforced security in Abadam and Marte LGAs.

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ACF suspends chairman Osuman over comments on 2027 presidency

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The Arewa Consultative Forum has suspended its national chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, for making what it describes as an authorised statement concerning the 2027 presidency.

Osuman was quoted as saying during the ACF National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday that the North would support a northern candidate for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, the forum, through its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu and Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, said Osuman made the statements without consulting or discussing with other leaders and members of the ACF, adding that the statements made only reflected his personal opinion.

ACF, therefore, announced the suspension of Osuman as Chairman with immediate effect and also constituted a Committee to investigate the infractions.

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“ACF rejects Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman’s statements in their entirety. For this reason, the leadership of the ACF’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and that of its NEC has decided to place Mamman Mike Osuman on suspension with immediate effect,” the statement read.

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2027: Obasanjo’s knock on INEC reopens push for electoral reform

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Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.

Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels for electoral integrity.

The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.

Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.

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“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.

“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.

“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.

Obasanjo pointed out that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.

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“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail.

“INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.

However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”

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“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote

DAILY POST reports that the call is a renewal of the controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo and Edo states.

DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

Although Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.

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The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.

However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.

“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku.

Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reasons for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.

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Amadi had earlier in a post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.

“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.

Also speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.

“There were allegations that election results were manipulated.

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“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.

“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.

“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.

“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.

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“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.

Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials were serious concerns that needed to be addressed.

Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness were unconvincing.

He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.

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“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures.

“Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.

“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.

“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.

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“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.

“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task.

“Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.

“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.

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“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.

“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”

On his part, Onyebuchi Igboke, the Project Manager of Advocacy Partnership for Good Governance and Convener, Office of the Citizens, told DAILY POST that the electoral commission should be for persons of integrity.

Igboke particularly noted that the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of many Nigerians contrary to his promise to transmit presidential election results in real time.

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According to him, the electoral system in Nigeria should be reformed, suggesting that the power of the President to appoint the INEC chairman be removed.

He said: “INEC as an institution should be manned only by persons who have integrity. From what was observed from the last election, the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of Nigerians, especially young Nigerians.

“He made a promise severally before the 2023 presidential election to transmit results electronically, not just the transmission of results but in real time.

“However, everyone was disappointed how the results for the presidential election weren’t transmitted as he promised.

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“I totally agree with what the former President Olusegun Obasanjo said about the institution lacking in integrity. In a sane clime, the INEC chairman should have resigned after the event of the 2022 general election.

“In the recent off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo, Ondo, and Edo states, we saw what happened. Is that what we wish to have as an election?

“Election is a serious business because it gives people the opportunity to recruit individuals who will manage their resources, lead them into prosperity, and solve their problems.

“Electioneering in Nigeria should be reformed. This should begin by removing the power of the President to even appoint the INEC chairman.”

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Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.

Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at all levels for electoral integrity.

The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.

Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.

Advertisement

“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.

“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.

“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.

Obasanjo pointed that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.

Advertisement

“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail. INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.

However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”

“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote

Advertisement

DAILY POST reports that the call comes fresh from the divided opinions and controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off cycle elections in Kogi and Edo states.

DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

Although Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, respectively, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.

The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not prescribing and deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.

Advertisement

However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.

“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate Atiku.

Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reason for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.

Amadi had earlier in post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.

Advertisement

Amadi’s statement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the All Progressives Congress, APC’s Monday Okpebholo as winner of the Edo State governorship election last September.

“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.

But speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.

“There were allegations election results were manipulated.

Advertisement

“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.

“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.

“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.

“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.

Advertisement

“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.

Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.

Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing.

He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.

Advertisement

“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures. Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.

“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.

“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.

“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.

Advertisement

“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task. Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.

“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.

“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.

“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”

Advertisement

Credit: DAILY POST

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