By Rekpene Bassey
As the countdown to the next general election in our nation ticks away, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) finds itself under the weighty burden of rebuilding trust and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Three years may seem distant, but in the realm of electoral preparedness, every moment counts.
Reflecting on the tumultuous events of the last general election, it becomes evident that the scars of malpractice run deep, leaving behind a trail of disillusionment and distrust. The shabby procedures that marred the electoral landscape are etched into the collective memory of the populace, casting shadows of doubt over the very foundation of our democratic principles.
Central to the failures of the previous election was INEC’s inability to deliver on its promise of real-time electronic transmission of presidential results. Despite the fervent assurances of free, fair, and credible elections, the reality fell far short of expectations. This failure not only eroded public confidence but also highlighted the glaring disparity between rhetoric and action.
The enormity of the resources expended on the electoral exercise only serves to underscore the gravity of the situation. With substantial investments made and a considerable period of preparation allocated, the outcome should have reflected a robust and transparent electoral process. Instead, what ensued was a spectacle of irregularities and controversies that tarnished the very fabric of democracy.
In the face of mounting challenges and heightened expectations, INEC stands at a critical juncture in its history beginning with the Edo and Ondo governorship elections as litmus test. The road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but it is also laden with opportunities for renewal and transformation.
It is incumbent upon INEC to seize this moment, reaffirm its commitment to democracy, and uphold the sacred trust bestowed upon it by the Nigerian people. Only then can we embark on a path towards a future where the voice of every citizen is heard and respected, and where the integrity of our democracy remains unassailable.
The scars of the last general election run deep, etching a narrative of manipulations, forgeries, and security breaches that have left the integrity of our electoral process in question. Evidence abounds of all manner of malfeasance, from manipulations of votes to the destruction of sensitive election materials, casting a shadow of doubt over the credibility of INEC.
The failure to prevent such egregious breaches of trust not only undermines the credibility of the electoral process but also erodes the very foundation of our democracy. The responsibility for ensuring the integrity of elections lies squarely with INEC, yet its inability to stem the tide of malpractice has left the electorate disillusioned and distrustful.
At the heart of this crisis lies a fundamental lack of accountability and competence within INEC’s leadership. The failure to address security breaches, technical glitches, and the passing of primary duties to the judiciary only serves to exacerbate the erosion of public trust.
Indeed, the cornerstone of any strong democracy rests upon the ability of its institutions to conduct credible elections. When these institutions falter, the very fabric of democracy is called into question, and the burden of redemption falls upon the shoulders of the electorate.
The average Nigerian voter finds themselves trapped in a cycle of distrust, their faith in the electoral process shaken by the events of the last election. To break free from this cycle, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive reorganization of INEC.
Central to this reorganisation is the removal of its current chairman and management team. Their failure to instil confidence in the electoral process has rendered them unfit to lead. In their place, new leadership must be appointed, individuals who embody the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity.
As we look towards the future, it is imperative that INEC rises to the occasion and embraces its role as the guardian of democracy. The mandate entrusted to it by the people demands nothing less than an unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability.
To rebuild trust and restore faith in the electoral process, INEC must embark on a comprehensive overhaul of its systems and procedures. This includes investing in robust technology that ensures the seamless transmission of results, implementing stringent measures to curb malpractice, and fostering greater transparency in the electoral process.
Moreover, INEC must engage in proactive outreach efforts to educate and empower voters, fostering a culture of active participation and civic responsibility. By fostering greater inclusivity and transparency, INEC can lay the groundwork for a truly democratic electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
Furthermore, INEC must embark on a top-to-bottom review of its systems and procedures, implementing robust measures to prevent fraud and ensure the security of the electoral process. This includes investing in technology that facilitates the transparent transmission of results and strengthening partnerships with security agencies to safeguard election materials.
Only through decisive action and meaningful reform can INEC begin to rebuild the trust that has been lost. The future of our democracy depends on it.
*Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON). He is also a Security and Drug Prevention Specialist
