Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has praised Ghana’s recent election, where results were available quickly after the vote. He’s calling on Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt similar technology-driven processes for more transparent and credible elections. Saraki believes this is crucial for Nigeria to maintain its leadership role in Africa. This comes after the Ghanaian ruling party conceded defeat based on the swift release of election results.
Key Takeaways
- Ghana’s rapid election result announcement sets a positive example.
- Saraki urges INEC to fully leverage technology for quicker and more transparent elections in Nigeria.
- Call for review of electoral laws to enhance efficiency and credibility.
- Emphasis on real-time result uploads and minimizing manual processes.
Ghana’s Election: A Model for Nigeria?
Saraki commended Ghana’s efficient use of technology in its recent elections. He highlighted the impressive speed with which results were announced, allowing the ruling party to concede defeat by the following morning. This, he argued, demonstrates the power of technology in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.
A Call for Technological Advancement in Nigeria’s Elections
Saraki urged INEC to learn from Ghana’s example and fully integrate technology into Nigeria’s electoral system. He emphasized the need for real-time uploads of results to the IReV portal and minimized manual processes. This, he believes, will not only speed up the process but also reduce the potential for manipulation and increase public trust in the election outcomes.
Addressing Obstacles and Ensuring Efficiency
Saraki acknowledged arguments that Nigeria’s larger size presents a challenge. However, he countered this by pointing out that even state-level elections in Nigeria often take significantly longer to produce results than the entire national election in Ghana. He called on INEC to thoroughly review its internal systems to eliminate any bottlenecks and ensure the efficient execution of its duties.
The Role of the National Assembly
Saraki also called on the National Assembly to play its part by reviewing and amending existing electoral laws. He stressed the importance of clear and unambiguous legislation that aligns with international best practices. By modernizing the legal framework, he believes the National Assembly can empower INEC to conduct free, fair, and credible elections efficiently.
Looking Ahead
With the next general elections approaching, implementing these changes could significantly improve the transparency and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. By embracing technology and strengthening legal frameworks, Nigeria can strive towards a more efficient and trustworthy election system, learning valuable lessons from its neighbor, Ghana.
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