e-Voting - the gathering fear

[Richard Akindele]

Those who have been following with keen interest the trend of logic in favour of adoption of the Electronic Voting System (EVS) for 2007 general elections, would agree that the thick cloud of controversy generated by mere disclosure of it, has not cleared.


In point of fact, the issue is still contentious. Whereas, to some people the novel idea of introducing the EVS regime had been interred into six feet womb of mother earth and forgotten, for, the campaign by Professor Maurice Iwu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), a body vested with constitutional powers to conduct elections, to use the system for the next election is but a lone voice.

But recent disclosure by a group of pro-third term legislators at the National Assembly, saying that they would prevail on adoption of EVS, in order to realise the tenure elongation plot by President Olusegun Obasanjo, has resurrected the ghost of EVS, at the same time worsened fears over conducting a fair election by the INEC. Across the country, there is a gathering apprehension as to whether the INEC can conduct a credible elections in 2007, especially against the backdrop of the on-going battle of wits over the same vexed amendment of the 1999 Constitution that will accommodate the tenure extension for Mr. President.

To confirm Nigerians’ worry about the EVS and its consequences on the country’s electoral system the on-going debate on constitutional amendment at the National Assembly, has portrayed the promoters of third term as people bent on achieving their mission by all means, however indecent, what with the rowdy sessions at both chambers of the National Assembly? It could be argued that the INEC boss had foreseen the scenario where when civilised means fails, the EVS would be railroad or simply foisted on Nigerians, therefore, giving him the courage to consistently canvassed adoption of the system, despite opposition. Are those pushing for the adoption of EVS regime being motivated by selfish interest, to see that the status quo ante remains thus, protect their economic mainstay, or is the agenda for general good?

Apparently, smarting from the experience of 2003 general elections, generally adjudged as worse in the political history of the country, take for instance, the deluge of election petitions that hit the various elections tribunals throughout the length and breath of Nigeria, the country is in search of a reformed electoral system that would be malpractice fool-proof, in the same vein, ensure a credible and transparent elections. This was the mood in the polity when in July last year Iwu announced the introduction of EVS as a solution to rigging and sundry malpractices during elections.

Desperate to convince Nigerians and stakeholders that he has solution to election problems the INEC boss through the Indian Electoral Commission, demonstrated the use of e-voting machines during one of the sessions of the National Political Reform Conference (NPRC), at Abuja. Critical about the system ability to curb malpractices at elections, the conference delegates were divided over its applicability in present day Nigeria. As a matter of fact, President Obasanjo had at the inauguration of NPRC harped on the country’s quest for a sanitised electoral system. One which would forestall rigging, and give a good image for Nigeria, and possibly clear himself of the allegations of rigging during the 2003 presidential election. His words: “The socio-economic reforms would achieve little without appropriate people-driven and people oriented political reforms.

A bad and undemocratic political environment can undermine, damage and destroy a buoyant economy and vice versa�. In the same breadth, he said: “This is equally in line with our realisation that our current political arrangement has some identified distortions, defects and limitations that call for urgent, focused and realistic attention, hence, this initiative on political reform.� Lofty, aptly describes his statement. But it is a different ball game establishing Mr. President’s sincerity on this matter. The issue of electoral reforms caused a long drawn debate. The electoral system draws its powers from constitutional provisions to make it work, and which can be found in section 153 of the 1999 Constitution.

On the lingering debate on electoral reforms; the National Assembly could resolve it through promulgating a consensual election law. Even then, a draft Electoral Bill by the INEC is before the National Assembly for its passage. It is difficult to say why the National Assembly is unwilling to pass it. However, that has fueled speculations that the legislators are waiting for constitution amendments that will favour tenure elongation and for which fear is being expressed. For example, fear is being expressed that introduction of e-voting will not guarantee transparency.

Also, Nigerians are worried that the INEC would do the bidding of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party hence, the commission is in firm grip of the party. But it follows logically that that INEC would be loyal to the ruling party. Because the appointment of the commission’s boss and its state commissioners are done by ruling party even though the National Assembly reserve the right to screen nominees to head key positions of the commission. However, judging from the alleged fraud that characterised the 2003 general elections, Iwu might have been driven by a zeal to avert a repeat of it, thus, recommended the e-voting to make a difference. He had said at the launching of the commission’s National Stakeholder’s Election Forum in Abuja: “I constituted a committee to produce the major imperatives for successful conduct of the 2007 elections�.

“At the sitting on July 20, the commission decided that the time has come for the introduction of technology in our nation’s electoral process.� But the INEC boss was accused of having a hidden agenda. An allegation he swiftly refuted.

But it remains t o be seen if this is for common good. Besides, it was learnt that INEC would need over 800,000 e-voting machines to be installed across the country for the elections. What will this serve? More importantly, is the issue of power instability in the country can the INEC guarantee constant electricity during elections in the country? Can the INEC guarantee sustainability of the e-voting system after 2007? Are those to man the machines not Nigerians who have partisan interest? Can the INEC train officials that will operate the e-machines and vouch for their competence with less than a year to the election?

Another potent factor working against e-voting adoption is the illiteracy level in the land. To make a success of the system would require a society whose population is averagely literate, otherwise, it will prove a complete failure. Will INEC not disenfranchise the Nigerian electorate who could not read the English language? For instance, the market women, road side mechanic and artisans who have no formal education?


But a greater fear is whether there will be elections in 2007? Chances are Iwu will return to power all those who gave him the job. To toe the path of honour, is for him to disappoint his employers. He has a choice to take a popular action.

With these questions agitating the minds of critics, one Odili Iyinagoro observed: INEC is not ready to conduct a credible election in Nigeria. Based on the prevailing circumstances in the political climate, I think that 2007 will be worse than 2003. “The past INEC leadership will be an angel after the election in 2007,� such is the foreboding being entertained by the public. Until then, it is a wait-and-see.

Source: Vanguard