Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Soji Ajibola
Published on 2024-02-23 16:47:30
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed that the 2023 general election was meticulously planned and executed, resulting in outcomes that accurately reflected the will of the people. This assertion was made in the Report of the 2023 General Election released by INEC on Friday, emphasizing that the election was conducted in accordance with the strategic plan of action, guidelines, and regulations set forth by the Election Project Plan (EPP).
One notable achievement highlighted by INEC was the diverse representation of candidates from over seven political parties who successfully secured elective positions. This marked a departure from the traditional two-party system that had dominated Nigerian democracy since the second Republic. Additionally, the 2023 General Election stood out as the first election to be carried out as scheduled since 2011, a significant milestone considering the challenges that necessitated rescheduling in previous elections.
Despite a slight delay in the re-configuration of the BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System) leading to the rescheduling of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Election, INEC’s commitment to electoral integrity and efficiency has substantially reduced the frequency of election postponements since 2011. This commitment underscores the Commission’s dedication to upholding democratic norms and fostering public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Furthermore, the introduction of a new legal framework, including the Electoral Act 2022 and other constitutive instruments, positively impacted the conduct of the elections by enabling adequate planning and coordination among relevant stakeholders. INEC also lauded the role of technology in revolutionizing electoral operations, citing the transition from Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines to INEC Voter Enrollment Devices (IVED) for online and in-person registration, as well as the upgrade to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) from Smart Card Readers (SCR).
These technological advancements have streamlined voter registration, authentication, and accreditation processes, ensuring the credibility and transparency of elections. INEC’s adoption of advanced technology signifies its commitment to innovation and modernization in electoral processes, setting new standards for credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria.
Moreover, INEC introduced various technological innovations to enhance the electoral process, including the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) for real-time viewing of scanned polling unit results, the INEC Media Accreditation Portal (IMAP), Candidate Nomination Portal, Party Agent Nomination Portal, Election Observer Group Portal, and INECPres Portal. These portals have been instrumental in facilitating transparency, engagement, and efficiency in the electoral process.
In conclusion, the 2023 General Election marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, characterized by meticulous planning, effective implementation, and the utilization of advanced technology to enhance electoral integrity and public trust. INEC’s commitment to upholding democratic values and embracing innovative practices bodes well for the future of electoral processes in Nigeria.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
