As the Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi off-cycle elections inch closer, Nigerians are expecting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make up for the lapses observed during its conduct of the 2023 general election.
Development Diaries reports that a total of 5.41 million eligible voters (1,056,862 registered voters in Bayelsa State, 2,419,922 in Imo State, and 1,932,654 in Kogi State) are expected to participate in the elections on 11 November.
There have been apparent concerns that a crisis of confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process may impact voter turnout in the upcoming governorship polls.
Political parties and registered voters alike do not seem to be persuaded by INEC’s pledges that polling unit results would be uploaded directly to the commission’s result portal, IReV.
This is a major reason why INEC needs to step up its game in the upcoming off-cycle elections.
In addition to damaging the commission’s reputation, the technological malfunctions that INEC experienced during the presidential election also undermined the advancements and increased transparency that came about as a result of the adoption of the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS).
In the upcoming off-cycle elections, the expectations from the country’s electoral commission regarding integrity are exceptionally high.
To ensure the credibility of the electoral process, the electoral umpire must maintain the highest standards of impartiality and transparency.
This includes conducting voter verification procedures with the utmost fairness, guaranteeing the secrecy and security of the ballot, and providing equal access to all political parties and candidates.
INEC must also enforce strict measures to prevent voter intimidation, manipulation, or fraud and ensure that electoral officials act with integrity and professionalism throughout the election process.
Moreover, INEC must demonstrate the utmost integrity in the management of election logistics, including the timely distribution of electoral materials, maintenance of accurate voter rolls, and the efficient handling of election results.
The commission must prioritise communication and transparency, promptly disseminating accurate and timely information to the public, political parties, and the international community.
INEC’s commitment to addressing any electoral disputes or irregularities in a fair and impartial manner is of paramount importance, and it must ensure a level playing field for all political actors, fostering an environment where the will of the people prevails.
Development Diaries calls on INEC to be firm in carrying out its duties, remain non-partisan and maintain its integrity, bearing in mind the lessons from the 2023 general election.
We also call on the Nigerian police and other relevant security agencies to stay true to their commitment to maintaining peace and orderliness during the election.
