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| Apagun |
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria's electoral politics and management, the Senate’s recent position on the electronic transfer of election results encapsulates a significant dilemma. By proposing to make the electronic transmission of results optional, rather than a mandatory feature, the Senate risks undermining the progress toward a transparent and fraud-free electoral system that the country desperately needs and deserves as the most populous black nation of the earth.
A Pivotal Moment for Democracy
Nigeria, with its tumultuous electoral history marred by allegations of rigging, violence, and irregularities, for years has been striving for a more credible electoral process. The introduction of electronic voting and the real-time transmission of results was heralded as a progressive step towards achieving that goal. This technology has the potential to enhance transparency and accountability while significantly reducing opportunities for fraud. It was on this note that made some of our youths very active in the 2023 general elections until the bad news was broken; the presidential election could not be transmitted because of yet to be believed glitches in the transmission that failed to affect other elections conducted same day and same time. Many are still undoubtedly not able to comprehend the technicalities of the technical glitch nor dissipate the shockwaves that come along with the news.
However, the Senate’s decision to make electronic transfers optional flies in the face of public demand for a more robust system that we long for its compulsion and legalisation. It is akin to "driving with reverse gear" in a country yearning for forward momentum in its democratic processes. By not committing to mandatory electronic transmission, the Senate inadvertently perpetuates the very issues that have plagued Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The Risks of Optionality
Opting for an optional system on electronic transfers opens the door for inconsistencies and manipulation. Why would some states or electoral officials choose to transmit results electronically while others abstain? This inconsistency can lead to discrepancies in how votes are counted and reported across the nation. The potential for tampering, especially in areas where transparency is least guaranteed, remains a significant concern.
Furthermore, allowing for an optional approach may sow distrust among voters. Citizens who have become increasingly aware of the importance of technology in ensuring electoral integrity might view the Senate's stance as a regression. This could further diminish public confidence in the outcomes of elections, potentially leading to increased apathy or unrest. The paradox of the matter was that while this government is pushing for electronic tax collection system, electronic payment system, electronic passport, electronic identification system, the same government chooses to make optional that which is supposed to be preferencially electronically conducted and transmitted one time.
The Path Toward Technological Integration
Several countries around the world have successfully integrated electronic voting and result transmission into their electoral processes, enhancing the reliability and speed of election outcomes. For Nigeria to join this league and truly modernize its electoral system, it is essential to embrace these technological advancements fully. The last general elections conducted in India through electronic transmission was a wonder to behold, assessed and access despite her population.
Mandatory electronic voting and transmission could streamline processes, reduce human error, and facilitate quicker results, allowing for faster acceptance of electoral outcomes. In the face of the growing citizen demand for transparency and accountability, rejecting optimal technological solutions like mandatory electronic results transmission feels like driving while looking backward.
Public Sentiment and Political Will
The sentiment among the Nigerian populace is clear: there is a strong desire for a transparent electoral process. Civic organizations, activists, and ordinary citizens have rallied for stronger electoral reforms and a commitment to technology-driven solutions. The Senate's current stance appears disconnected from the pressing need to evolve Nigeria’s electoral practices.
For meaningful change to materialize, lawmakers must prioritize the sentiments of their constituents over political maneuvering. The focus should shift toward building a comprehensive electoral framework that not only accounts for the technological advancements available today but also addresses the systemic flaws that have historically compromised electoral integrity.
As Nigeria approaches future elections, the decision to keep the electronic transmission of results optional stands as a critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey. Driving with reverse gear may render the country vulnerable to the same pitfalls it has long sought to escape. It is imperative for the Senate and other stakeholders to take a definitive stand in favour of mandatory electronic voting and result transmission. By doing so, Nigeria can pave the way for a truly democratic system that reflects the will of its people, free from the shadows of fraud and manipulation. Only then can the nation drive forward, embracing a future where its elections are transparent, credible, and respected both locally and internationally.
Apagun Olaolu Samuel Babatunde
Chairman,
Labour Party, Ogun State
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