From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take precautions to prevent a recurrence of the numerous issues that undermined the credibility of the 2023 general elections in the three off-cycle governorship elections coming up in November.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders roundtable on the 2023 general elections in Abuja on Friday, Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi, noted however, that while it was important to recognize the challenges encountered during the February and March elections, it was imperative to also focus on the gains that arose from the elections and ensure that they were sustained.
Nwadishi observed that some citizens and INEC officials expressed concerns about the challenges that affected the elections such as security and logistical issues, adding that Nigerians must consider the broader context in which the elections took place.
According to her, there were considerable obstacles to the smooth execution of the voting process due to a lack of sufficient resources, such as money and fuel, mixed with the ongoing instability in the entire nation.
She said; “There are some lessons INEC and all us have learnt and we should use these lessons to strengthen the process ahead of the off-season elections.”
“Some unfortunate cases, Citizens including INEC officials themselves fell victim to these challenges, with some being abducted or tragically losing their lives. These circumstances should not be overlooked when evaluating the performance of the Commission.
“Furthermore, we must remain vigilant and aware that there are still individuals advocating for an interim government, who utilize sophistry and exploit election-related issues to further their ulterior motives. It is essential for all Nigerians to recognize these forces and remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving the integrity of our democracy.
“While acknowledging these challenges, we must not lose sight of the real gains of the 2023 elections.
“We witnessed electoral upsets in regions that were considered strongholds of certain parties, illustrating the evolving political landscape and the growing unpredictability of our electorate. New players were introduced into the electoral process, signalling a dynamic, inclusive and constantly evolving political space.
“These developments send a strong message that our electoral process is not only functional but is steadily progressing on the right track.
“In managing elections within a nation as expansive and diverse as ours, significant challenges always arise.
“The electoral umpire as a body was instrumental in pushing for the repeal of the Electoral Act. The leadership strongly advocated for a new law that addressed the challenges and opportunities of our electoral system. This law, marks a transformative milestone in our democratic journey. The push for about 15 clauses in the new Act led to tangible improvements in our electoral processes.
Nwadishi maintained that the innovative reforms such as the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), helped to a large extent to strengthen the credibility, transparency, and integrity of the elections despite the myriads of challenges faced.
This technology-based system, according to her, has strengthened the credibility, transparency, and integrity of our elections.
“Furthermore, the Election Monitoring Board adept use of technology has set a new global standard for election management bodies, with even litigants relying on these reforms to present their cases at various tribunals across the nation.
“Among the most significant reforms is the introduction of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which allows citizens to register to vote on an ongoing basis as prescribed by our Electoral Act allowing for registration to go on a continuous basis.
“By making voter registration an ongoing exercise, this has given a voice to countless citizens who may have otherwise been silent in our democratic dialogue, thereby empowering our citizens to exercise their democratic rights unhindered by bureaucratic constraints. This was proven by the increase in the number of new registrants especially young persons.
“The electoral umpire as a body was instrumental in pushing for the repeal of the Electoral Act. The leadership strongly advocated for a new law that addressed the challenges and opportunities of our electoral system. This law, marks a transformative milestone in our democratic journey. The push for about 15 clauses in the new Act led to tangible improvements in our electoral processes.
“In light of these considerations, let us focus on acknowledging the positive aspects of the elections and placing any encountered challenges within the appropriate context. By doing so, we can ensure a fair and unbiased assessment of the electoral process while remaining vigilant against those who seek to undermine our democracy”. The ED added.
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