Nigeria's Electoral Commission Trials Electronic Voting Amidst Corruption and Deception

Strategic Insights -

The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC) recently conducted local government elections using the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), but the process was marred by numerous infractions, including manipulation by the governor's aides and low voter turnout. Despite this, Governor Nasir El-Rufai's efforts to introduce modern technology in elections have been commended, and his leadership in taking bold steps to solve long-standing problems has been acknowledged. However, the National Assembly's rejection of electronic voting and its potential for rig-proofing elections has been criticized as a step backward.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC) conducted local government elections using the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) but faced numerous infractions, including manipulation by the governor's aides and low voter turnout.
  • Despite these issues, Governor Nasir El-Rufai's efforts to introduce modern technology in elections have been commended, and his leadership in taking bold steps to solve long-standing problems has been acknowledged.
  • The National Assembly's rejection of electronic voting and its potential for rig-proofing elections has been criticized as a step backward.
  • The INEC Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Nick Dazang, expressed concern over the National Communications Commission's (NCC) stance on network coverage, stating that all network providers have assured INEC of 100% coverage.
  • INEC's autonomy has been compromised, as the contentious section of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill strips the commission of the power to transmit election results electronically without recourse to the National Assembly and NCC.
  • The lack of integrity and transparency in the electoral process is attributed to the manipulation of figures and the use of manual transmission, which allows for widespread corruption and deception.

Statistics:

  • 50.3% of polling units in the country, according to the National Communication Commission's (NCC) survey, are said to have 3G network coverage for transmitting election results.
  • 100% network coverage, according to INEC's Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Nick Dazang.
  • The card reader, an electronic devise, has been credited with assisting in the transparency of the 2015 election.

Sources:

  • Premium Times
  • INEC's Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Nick Dazang, in an interview with AIT in an article published by Premium Times.
  • The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC)
  • National Assembly's rejection of electronic voting and its potential for rig-proofing elections.