As another election year approaches, the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process remains a critical concern.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan recently raised alarm over the issue of ‘ghost voters’ and the pressure on electoral officials to manipulate results, emphasizing the need for credible leadership within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
To ensure accurate vote counts and build public trust in the democratic system, several measures must be implemented.
1. Strengthening Voter Registration and Verification
One of the fundamental steps to eliminate ghost voters is improving the voter registration system. Implementing a robust biometric verification system will help ensure that only real individuals are registered and allowed to vote.
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) introduced in the 2023 elections was a step in the right direction, but it must be enhanced to prevent malfunctions and ensure its efficiency nationwide.
2. Enhancing Electoral Commission Integrity
Jonathan’s call for electoral officials to uphold integrity and resign rather than yield to pressure underscores the need for ethical leadership in INEC. To achieve this, the recruitment and appointment process for electoral officials must prioritize individuals with proven integrity and independence. Additionally, INEC must have sufficient legal and institutional backing to resist undue political influence.
3. Deploying Advanced Technology for Transparency
While technology alone cannot guarantee credibility, its role in ensuring transparency is undeniable. The full implementation of the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) should be mandated to provide real-time access to election results. This measure will reduce opportunities for result manipulation and foster public confidence in the process.
4. Curbing Electoral Violence and Intimidation
A major hindrance to accurate vote counts is election-related violence and voter intimidation. Security agencies must be adequately trained and deployed to protect voters and electoral materials. Establishing clear and enforceable penalties for electoral violence will deter perpetrators and ensure a peaceful voting environment.
5. De-Regionalizing the Electoral Process
Jonathan highlighted the adverse effects of regional bias in electoral decision-making. To counteract this, political education campaigns must be intensified to promote national unity over regional interests. Voters should be encouraged to make informed choices based on competence rather than ethnic or religious affiliations.
6. Addressing Logistical Challenges
Delays in voting and logistical mishaps often disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine trust in the electoral system. INEC must adopt a more efficient election-day management strategy, including timely delivery of materials and adequate training of electoral officers to handle emerging challenges effectively.
7. Strengthening Electoral Laws and Penalties for Fraud
A credible election requires a strong legal framework that imposes stringent penalties for electoral fraud. Laws must be reviewed and enforced to ensure that anyone found guilty of vote rigging, ballot box snatching, or falsifying results faces serious consequences.
8. Public Awareness and Voter Education
Educating the electorate about their rights and responsibilities is essential in achieving credible elections.
Civil society organizations, media houses, and political parties must collaborate to run awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of fair voting practices and how to report irregularities.
With Nigeria’s influence in the West African sub-region, the nation must set an example by conducting transparent and credible elections.
Implementing these measures will not only improve the accuracy of vote counts but also strengthen democracy and public confidence in the electoral system.
As Jonathan aptly noted, “If our systems for electing leaders are not fine-tuned, then what is the point of democracy?” The time to act is now.
