With the world adjusting to the idea of conducting elections in a global pandemic, electronic voting has become a salient part in the conversation surrounding credible elections. Ahead of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, various leaders are coming out to advocate for free and fair elections by way of electronic voting.
‘Electronic voting, solution to a majority of Nigeria’s election issues’ – Bayelsa State Governor
Joining other Nigerians, as well as CSOs to demand for a more modern electoral system, Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed support for electronic voting as a solution to Nigeria’s electoral challenges.
The south-south leader made his stance known at a grand reception in his honour in the Sampou community in Kolokuma Local Government Area, noting that while electronic voting might not solve all of the nation’s electoral problems, it would significantly reduce the challenges. Recalling some of the electoral malpractices that marred the 2019 governorship election in the state, he said: “Part of what would solve the problem of this country is electronic voting. I recommend e-voting, e-register and electronic elections in Nigeria. It might not solve all our electoral problems but it would go far in resolving most of our electoral conflicts.”
‘Electronic voting to restore the faith of Nigerians in the election process’ – Minister of Technology
Similarly, the nation’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has also commented on the need for electronic voting moving forward. The Minister stated that Nigeria needs to reform its electoral system by adopting electronic voting to help eliminate errors caused by a human factor in compiling results.
Speaking through a statement released by Josephine Ademu, Press and Public Relations Officer of the ministry, he said that with this in place, more Nigerians would be willing to participate in the nation’s electoral processes.
“Democracy is like a living organism that grows like humans, animals and plants but for this to happen, we need electronic voting which shall reduce malpractices associated with human errors,” he said.
The adoption of electronic voting is contained in the new Electoral Act jointly worked on by the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives ahead of the 2023 general elections.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral and political reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
