Electoral Act Amendment: Senate Keeps Manual Backup for Results Transmission
The Senate on Wednesday retained the provision allowing manual backup for the transmission of election results during its consideration of amendments to the Electoral Act.
The decision followed deliberations on proposed changes to the electoral framework ahead of future elections.
Lawmakers agreed that while electronic transmission of results remains a key component of the electoral process, a manual backup system would serve as a contingency in the event of technical failures.
According to the Senate, the retention of manual backup is aimed at preventing disruptions during elections, especially in areas with limited network connectivity or technological challenges.
“The backup provision is to ensure that elections are not stalled due to technical glitches. It does not отмен the use of electronic transmission,” a lawmaker said during plenary.
The development comes amid nationwide debate over the amendment of the Electoral Act, particularly provisions relating to electronic transmission of results and the use of electoral technology.
Civil society groups and political stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions, with some raising concerns that manual backup could create loopholes, while others argue it is necessary for operational flexibility.
The Senate maintained that the amendment process is intended to strengthen the electoral system and ensure smoother conduct of future polls.
The bill is expected to proceed to the next legislative stage in the coming days.