Rowdy session in Reps as lawmakers clash over Electoral Act amendment, real-time e-transmission of results

The House of Representatives descended into a rowdy session on Tuesday as lawmakers clashed over a motion to rescind the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which provides for real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, had moved the motion seeking to reverse the chamber’s earlier decision on the bill, which was passed on December 23, in alignment with the Senate’s position on the real-time electronic transmission of results.

When Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the motion to a voice vote, the “nays” appeared louder than the “ayes.” However, he ruled in favour of the “ayes.”

The decision sparked immediate protests, with several lawmakers shouting in objection and challenging the ruling.

The tense atmosphere forced the Speaker to call for an executive session to restore order.