Four distinct groups pose clear and perilous threats to the credibility of our elections, Headlinenews.news report. The initial group comprises INEC field officials who, rather alarmingly, seem to interpret their roles based on personal gains within the system. Tasked with being the commission’s eyes on the field, their responsibility is to prevent candidates and their political parties from violating the system.
It is their duty to ensure transparent adherence to the fundamental voting rules outlined in the electoral act, satisfying all stakeholders. Unfortunately, many have neglected this duty, compromising the integrity of our elections through the egregious abuse of the system for personal benefit, giving rise to corruption.
Reports from election observers are frequently disregarded. In a previous segment, a letter to the commission from the Centre for Leadership Legacy International, an observer group for the Kogi State governorship election, highlighted the commission’s acceptance of fraudulent results, tarnishing the integrity of the electoral process and eroding public trust in INEC’s ability to conduct fair elections.
The second group comprises security personnel stationed at polling stations to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections. Unlike observers, their primary responsibility is to ensure politicians adhere to the rules. Despite the presence of security agencies, numerous electoral crimes, such as ballot box snatching, continue unchecked. Similar to INEC field officers, security agencies often turn a blind eye to clear wrongdoing.
Politicians form the third obstructive group due to their vested interests. They are the primary beneficiaries of elections, regardless of whether they are conducted fairly or through dubious means. The credibility of an election is not their concern; winning is. This lack of commitment to democratic best practices and the rule of law undermines the foundation of the democratic system.
Politicians, as the visible faces of democracy, hold the nation’s reputation in their hands. Through acts of election sabotage, they risk sullying the face of democracy on a global scale, casting doubt on Nigeria’s ability to break free from decades of primitive politics.
The fourth group is the judiciary, which was roped into playing a role in elections by the departing generals in 1979 with the establishment of election tribunals. Intended to resolve disputes between candidates and uphold justice, the judiciary plays a critical role in preventing the manipulation of the system and restoring credibility to elections.
However, the trust in the judiciary to deliver justice has led to a surge in election petitions, totalling 5,153 between 2003 and 2023. The judiciary’s neutral role since the return to civil rule in 1999 has been crucial in preventing further degradation of the electoral process.
Yet, the integrity of judicial pronouncements is marred by contradictions. Politicians have tarnished the temple of justice, exploiting the judicial system to remedy their election losses. Lucre often influences who receives justice and who is denied it, revealing a troubling reliance on the judiciary rather than the ballot paper.
Election petitions demonstrate a flawed appellate system, where victory often goes to the highest bidder rather than correcting lower bench mistakes. The judiciary, in its expanded role, determines the people’s will through technical interpretations of the law, serving the cause of law while neglecting justice and the credibility of fair elections. The success of election petitions on technicalities poses a significant challenge to the country, its electoral umpire, and the credibility of its elections.
