On electronic voting in the National Assembly

Apparently, some of the distinguished senators shared the same view, in particular, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark. Due to his concern and actions, last week for the first time in Nigeria’s history, our legislative representatives in the Senate voted electronically. It was fitting that the issue that initiated this milestone was the principal […]

Apparently, some of the distinguished senators shared the same view, in particular, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark. Due to his concern and actions, last week for the first time in Nigeria’s history, our legislative representatives in the Senate voted electronically.

It was fitting that the issue that initiated this milestone was the principal debate on the floor of the Senate where Senators were voting on the issue of the amendment of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

At last, this subject, which has had all who are interested in the democratic development of Nigeria, is being discussed with a view to implementing the much publicised and needed changes to this document of singular national importance.

The necessity of getting this equipment working is that it, provides the people of Nigeria the opportunity to observe exactly how their representatives vote on particular issues of public and national interest. This introduces accountability to the people into the proceedings of the red chamber.

The previous method of voice vote, where the Presiding Officer of the proceedings merely had senators voice, their assent or dissent on matters open to voting on the floor, and based on acoustic volume, the decision was made, has been grossly inadequate. This is due to the fact that in this manner of voting, the votes were merged into a faceless mass where individual responsibility could be shirked as it was impossible to match a vote to the voice or face of an individual. But no more!

The electronic system records the exact way a senator voted on an issue and it is the intention of the Senate, according to Mr. Senate President, to print this record and attach them to the Votes and Proceedings which catalogue every session of the Senate’s meetings.

So if, for instance, I would like to find out how the Senator representing my district voted on a bill to increase teachers salaries in the education sector, it is now possible to check the records. If he voted against it and his constituents were for it, then they can ask him to explain his vote, for after all, he is a representative of the people. And this would be a most welcome development.

So, kudos to the President of the Senate for actually fixing an existing problem instead of allowing it to linger. The engaging and personal manner that he presents in his relationship with his “bosses” are no doubt part of the reasons that such activities like the current amendment of the constitution have proceeded steadily even if some complain that the progress is slow.

 It is my sincere hope that this momentum extends to the electoral reforms and all other urgent, areas of reform in our nations quest for democratic maturity. The fact that despite the myriad problems that Nigeria has been embroiled in since the end of last year, Senator Mark has, amidst severe criticisms, managed to keep the nation from floundering and the gears of the legislative turning are indeed worthy of praise. May history judge him fairly!

Pirmah Rimdans wrote this piece from the National Assembly, Abuja