Despite efforts to improve transparency and credibility in the electoral system, widespread concerns about the integrity of the electoral process persist, contributing to a continued erosion of trust in government institutions.

Development Diaries reports that confidence in electoral bodies across most African countries, including Nigeria, is declining, according to a recent Afrobarometer survey.

The survey shows that only 23 percent of Nigerians trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), down from 31 percent in 2020.

As highlighted in Yiaga Africa’s recent report titled Electoral Trust Restored?, public trust in the electoral process has maintained a steady decline, which is largely attributed to the unfulfilled expectations during the 2023 general election, where procedural flaws and technological issues in result transmission cast doubt on the credibility of the process.

Also, the delay in addressing and communicating these issues and the actions taken to resolve them further eroded citizens’ trust in the electoral system, and one of the primary reasons for this is the perceived lack of independence and impartiality of the electoral body.

Political interference, corruption, and partisan bias often plague electoral processes, leading to outcomes that are perceived as unfair or manipulated. This not only undermines the credibility of election results but also weakens citizens’ confidence in the entire democratic system.

To regain citizens’ trust, the government must implement comprehensive electoral reforms. This is crucial to addressing systemic issues within the electoral process.

Ultimately, regaining citizens’ trust in the electoral process requires strong political will and leadership commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

Political leaders must demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

Development Diaries joins Yiaga Africa in calling on INEC to publish the report of the commission’s review of the 2023 general election with details on the administrative and legal reforms needed for improving the quality of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Photo: Brittany Danisch