Is CPC also calling for the adoption of electronic voting in the 2015 general elections?
Our stand on the issue of electronic
voting is that as much as it is desirable, we have to also consider how
feasible its implementation is. Yes, electronic voting is good, with a
lot of benefits. As far as I’m concerned, it is the ultimate in stamping
out rigging and many of the malpractices that politicians indulge in so
as to win election at all cost, but is it implementable? The year 2015
is about two years away; can we introduce a new system within this
period? We have to look at this thing critically, putting into
consideration our peculiar situation in this country.
You seem to be questioning the
implementation and not the idea. Are you questioning the ability of INEC
to deliver credible and fair elections using an electronic voting
system?
Yes. The question needs to be asked, is
INEC able to successfully conduct elections in this country using
electronic voting system? Preparing for an election in Nigeria where a
new system such as electronic voting would be adopted is beyond putting
the infrastructure and machinery in place. Asides all that physical
preparation, there is a need for sensitisation of the people, so that
the voters can embrace the change and be sure of what they are going to
meet at the polling units. Is INEC able to adequately do that before
2015? Is it the same INEC that collected billions of naira to put
together an electronic register and at the end of the day, they were not
able to present the same electronic register as evidence at the
electoral tribunal? We all saw the hitches that were associated with
that voters’ register in the last general elections. Is it that same
INEC you want to entrust with the responsibility of conducting elections
electronically? No. It shouldn’t be. We do not trust INEC under the
leadership of Prof. Attahiru Jega, to deliver credible elections using
electronic voting. Let us not go into a situation where Nigerians would
be hoodwinked; where INEC would come at the last minute and said they
are not able to handle electronic voting, after a lot of money would
have been spent. That would be money down the drain.
INEC has said only verification would be electronic in 2015. Do you think it can handle that?
So, what would that be called,
semi-electronic voting or quarter electronic voting? Since ballot papers
are still going to be used then it is not electronic voting. The same
problems we had with the electronic voters’ register would still occur
if they do electronic verification. If you finish verification
electronically and you go on to vote manually with ballot papers, then
what are we doing? Electronic voting is good but our preparation for it
is not good enough. We should not attempt it until we are ready.
So, are you suggesting that INEC should revert to a complete manual system until we are ready for a full electronic system?
When INEC is ready to fully adopt
electronic voting, they should come out with a clear implementation
plan. It has to be in specific terms. It has to be measurable,
actionable, realistic and time-bound. I don’t like the kind of
obfuscation and opacity that surround INEC’s activities and plans. We
should leave electronic voting until they are ready for it.
Punch
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