Feb 11 β€’ 00:53 UTC πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Nigeria Punch

Electronic transmission of results and the crisis of trust

The article discusses the challenges of trust in Nigeria's electoral process, particularly in the counting and collation phases where manipulation may occur.

The article elaborates on the grave concerns surrounding electoral integrity in Nigeria, particularly in the context of how results are processed after voting. It highlights a prevailing culture where, despite the completion of voting at polling units, the crucial moments of counting and collating results are rife with manipulation attempts by political actors. This creates an atmosphere of distrust where the public feels their votes may not be accurately counted or reflected.

Furthermore, the article points to a historical context where elections are not lost at the polling stations but in the darker recesses of result processing. Politicians often encourage their supporters to remain vigilant at polling units, emphasizing the need to 'police their votes' to ensure the electoral process is protected from fraud. This distrust in the system can lead to disenfranchisement among voters and perhaps disillusionment with the democratic process, affecting political participation in the long run.

In conclusion, the narrative stresses that the need for a transparent and reliable electronic transmission of results is vital for restoring faith in the electoral system. Without such measures, the electoral landscape will continue to witness tension and skepticism, which undermines the foundation of democracy in Nigeria. The call for greater accountability in the collation process is essential to creating a more trustworthy environment for future elections.

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