Lagos: Election observer group Yiaga Africa has called on Nigeria to move beyond conducting ‘relatively peaceful’ elections to establishing processes that foster greater public trust and confidence in the electoral system. Yiaga Africa’s Programme Director, Cynthia Mbamalu, highlighted the need for reforms, noting challenges in the recent by-elections.
According to Voice of Nigeria, while the recent by-elections were largely peaceful, isolated incidents of attempted disruptions were recorded in some constituencies. Mbamalu reported that thugs tried to disrupt the process at some polling units, emphasizing the need to inspire trust in the electoral system beyond just achieving a peaceful process.
Mbamalu stated that a significant challenge lies in the process of result management. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included electronic collation in its guidelines, implementation remains problematic. She explained that issues such as decisions on overvoting and ballot cancellatio
ns contribute to confusion during elections.
Mbamalu further noted that efforts to strengthen the electoral process and enhance INEC’s independence are undermined by political tactics. Despite considerable work to engage voters and promote democratic principles, the efforts face resistance from the political class.