Nigeria, Feb. 16 -- The Senate has said its decision to make electronic transmission of election results optional rather than mandatory was based on advice from key stakeholders in Nigeria's communications and power sectors.

The upper chamber said it engaged principal actors in both sectors before passing the amended Electoral Act and discovered that many communities remain outside internet coverage, while millions of Nigerians still lack access to electricity.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), made the explanation in a statement issued by his media office on Sunday.

Mr Bamidele said Nigeria's broadband internet penetration remains low compared to global standards and those of other developed countries.

"Based ...