By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The February 25, 2023 general election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Prof Mahmood Yakubu was adjudged one of the worst elections conducted in recent times within African countries in particular and the world in general. Nigeria, as a vibrant democracy, has been grappling with various challenges in its electoral process, particularly evident in the shortcomings observed during the 2023 election. Voter suppression, voter intimidation, result manipulations and mutilation, election irregularities and inefficiencies in the manual voting system have raised concerns about the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. These issues contributed their quota in discrediting the whole electoral process and attracted local and international condemnations.
There is no gain-saying that electoral reform plays a crucial role in strengthening democratic processes and institutions. It helps to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in the electoral process. By addressing the shortcomings of the current electoral system, Nigeria can pave the way for more inclusive and effective elections that truly reflect the will of the people.
One of the significant shortcomings observed during the 2023 election was the issue of voter suppression and disenfranchisement. Many eligible voters were unable to exercise their right to vote due to logistical challenges, inadequate polling stations, and intimidation tactics. This not only undermines the credibility of the election but also erodes public confidence in the electoral process. Another shortcoming noticed was election irregularities and fraud. The 2023 election also witnessed several cases of election irregularities and fraud, such as ballot box stuffing, multiple voting, and alteration and mutilation of results. These actions not only undermine the integrity of the electoral process but also perpetuate a culture of impunity and corruption. It is imperative to address these issues to safeguard the democratic principles upon which Nigeria’s electoral system is built.
Obviously, the manual voting process used in the 2023 election revealed numerous inefficiencies, including long queues, delays in vote counting, and the potential for human error.
The 2023 elections in Nigeria highlighted several shortcomings in the current electoral process. From delays in result collation to allegations of voter intimidation, therefore, it has become clear that a change is needed to improve the efficiency and integrity of elections in the country. One potential solution that holds great promise is the incorporation of electronic voting.
In light of these issues, there is an urgent need for electoral reform in Nigeria that incorporates electronic voting. No doubt, elections are the bedrock of any democratic society, and Nigeria is no exception. Over the years, Nigeria has recognized the need for continuous improvement in its electoral process to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. This recognition has led to various electoral reforms aimed at addressing the shortcomings witnessed in previous elections.
Based on the foregoing, the need for electronic voting to overcome some of these challenges cannot be over-emphasized. Electronic voting offers several advantages that can address the shortcomings witnessed in the 2023 election. It provides a faster and more efficient voting process, reducing long queues and delays. Additionally, electronic voting can enhance accuracy and transparency, reducing the potential for human error and manipulation.
Moreover, it can improve accessibility, making it easier for citizens with disabilities or those in remote areas to exercise their right to vote. There are global examples of successful electronic voting systems such as Estonia’s e-voting system. Estonia is often cited as a successful example of electronic voting implementation. Since 2005, Estonian citizens have been able to cast their votes online, ensuring convenience, speed, and security. The system utilizes secure digital identities and cryptographic protocols to ensure the integrity and privacy of the votes. Studying Estonia’s e-voting system can provide valuable insights and lessons for Nigeria’s own electronic voting endeavors.
There are also lessons learned from electronic voting implementations in other countries such Brazil, India, and Norway. These countries have also adopted electronic voting systems with varying degrees of success. Therefore, by examining these implementations, Nigeria can gain valuable insights into best practices, potential challenges, and strategies for ensuring a smooth transition to electronic voting. Learning from the experiences of others can help Nigeria develop a robust and trustworthy electronic voting system that meets the unique needs of its diverse population.
Incorporating electronic voting into Nigeria’s electoral process is crucial to address the shortcomings witnessed in the 2023 election. By embracing electoral reform and leveraging the benefits of electronic voting, Nigeria can pave the way for more inclusive, efficient, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the people.
Electronic voting has the potential to significantly enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process. With a well-designed electronic voting system, the entire process, from voter registration to result tabulation, can be streamlined and made more efficient. This would greatly reduce the opportunities for fraud, manipulation, and human error that are often associated with traditional paper-based voting systems.
By eliminating manual vote counting and introducing real-time result transmission, electronic voting can ensure that election outcomes reflect the true will of the people. It would also make it easier to audit and verify election results, thereby promoting trust and confidence in the electoral process.
Another major benefit of electronic voting is its potential to increase voter turnout and accessibility. The current electoral process in Nigeria can be cumbersome and time-consuming, making it difficult for some citizens to participate. Electronic voting would eliminate many of these barriers, allowing voters to cast their ballots conveniently and securely from anywhere with an internet connection.
By making the voting process more accessible and convenient, electronic voting has the potential to engage a larger segment of the population, including young people and those in remote areas. This would result in a more representative democracy, where the voices of all citizens are heard and considered.
Furthermore, in implementing electronic voting in Nigeria, there is also need to put in place the legal and regulatory framework. In parallel with the technical preparations, a strong legal and regulatory framework should be established to govern electronic voting in Nigeria. This framework should address issues such as data protection, voter privacy, and dispute resolution.
Additionally, there should be provisions to address potential challenges, such as power outages or system failures. Contingency plans and backup measures should be in place to ensure that the electoral process can continue smoothly in such situations.
Incorporating electronic voting in Nigeria’s electoral process is a necessary step toward improving transparency, accountability, and accessibility. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. By ensuring security, building trust, and implementing a comprehensive plan, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive and democratic electoral system. Let’s embrace the power of technology and put it to work for the advancement of democracy in Nigeria!
