The Independent Electorate Commission (INEC), deserves a pat in its back. In the last eight years, the commission has improved its operation significantly. Through the deployment of technology by the commission, the incidences of over voting and ballot snatching have been addressed.
On 18th March, the Independent National Electorate Commission (INEC) conducted gubernatorial and states assembly elections. Unlike the presidential and National assembly polls which witnessed low voters turn out, the voters apathy has reared its ugly head or became worse in the just concluded elections. There was reported cases of violence and votes buying which marred the exercise across the country. Though, some politicians have been arrested by operatives of anti-graft agency (EFCC), for alleged votes buying, the elections’ could be described as huge joke taking too far. In the last presidential and National assembly elections, Nigerians did not experience voters buying or inducement due to cash scarcity which hit the country. The naira redesign policy was a big blow to money bag politicians who take any chance to throw money during elections in anticipation of votes. There was no cash to induce voters. The measure had helped greatly towards conducting free and fair elections by electorate umpire.
The cash-swap policy has adversely or negatively affected the lives of Nigerians in different ways. But implementing it at the eve of elections’ year has reduced the menace of votes buying especially in presidential and National assembly elections. Regrettably, the supreme Court ruling which compel CBN to extend the validity of old currencies until 31 December has provided an ample opportunity for desperate politicians to use their stashed currencies for votes buying. The glaring and annoyingly votes buying across the polling units have erode the gains recorded by INEC in the last elections. Votes buying has mocked our democracy. It has further monitised our elections. Politicians with high stake count themselves as potential winners. However, INEC should not be blamed for this mess. Our poverty stricken electorates should take the blame for selling their votes to high bidders. It is reported that, in many polling units, voter is induced with little token. Some voters collect as little as 200 or one packet of spaghetti to vote. This is a sad!
The electorates have never paused for a minute to ask themselves a simple question on what will be their fate if they sell their votes for peanut. These desperate politicians are ready to invest their last kobo in a other to win elections. After winning the poll, one should not expect them to work for the common man. They have to first recoup their investment along with their profit before dropping crumbs to electorates. While votes buying is a serious electorate offense punishable by law, Nigerians are yet to see any offender faces the full weight of laws. Unless we strengthen our laws to prosecute those who engage in elections malpractice, including votes buying, Nigerian elections will go back to square one. The Independent Electorate Commission (INEC), deserves a pat in its back. In the last eight years, the commission has improved its operation significantly. Through the deployment of technology by the commission, the incidences of over voting and ballot snatching have been addressed.
Unfortunately, the return of votes buying as witnessed in the just concluded gubernatorial poll will become cog in the wheel of free and fair election in the country. It is high time government fashioned out workable solution to the problems of votes buying in the country. The menace if left uncheck, will affect the conduct of credible elections in the future.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna state. 08169056963.