Introduction
Nigeria’s electoral system is at a critical juncture. For decades, it has consistently produced leadership that fails to meet the needs and aspirations of its citizens, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and a growing disconnect between the government and the people. This persistent leadership deficit, coupled with rampant electoral malpractices, has eroded public trust and faith in the democratic process. To address these issues, it is imperative to introduce diaspora voting and secure electronic voting systems. These reforms are essential to enhance the inclusivity, integrity, and overall quality of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Case for Diaspora Voting
Inclusivity and Representation
With an estimated 17 million Nigerians living abroad, the exclusion of this significant segment from the electoral process undermines the principles of inclusivity and representation. Diaspora voting ensures that the voices of all Nigerians, irrespective of their location, are heard and their interests represented. This inclusivity strengthens democracy by providing a more comprehensive reflection of the electorate’s will.
Economic Contributions and Civic Responsibility
Nigerian diasporas contribute significantly to the nation’s economy through remittances, investments, and business ventures. Nigeria’s remittances from the Diaspora exceeded $25.368 billion in 2019, an improvement from the $24,311 billion it sent in 2018. Remittances were worth 5.6 per cent of GDP in 2017, exceeding Nigeria’s oil revenues of $20 billion. In 2020 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad amounted to over $17 billion, also surpassing foreign direct investment. In 2022 similarly, diaspora remittances to Nigeria equalled US$25 billion, representing 6.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (World Bank, 2023). Allowing diaspora citizens to vote not only acknowledges their contributions but also fosters a sense of civic responsibility, encouraging greater engagement with national development.
Global Best Practices
Implementing diaspora voting aligns Nigeria with global best practices. Countries like India, Mexico, and South Africa have successfully integrated diaspora voting into their electoral processes, setting a precedent that Nigeria can and should follow. This step will help enhance Nigeria’s democratic credentials and strengthen its deserved position on the global stage as a forward-thinking and inclusive nation.
The Need for Secure Electronic Voting
Enhancing Accountability and Reducing Electoral Malpractices
Secure electronic voting systems can significantly reduce electoral malpractices such as rigging and manipulation of results. These systems offer secure, transparent, and tamper-proof methods for casting and counting votes, thereby enhancing accountability and trust in the electoral process. Implementing advanced technologies like blockchain for vote recording can provide an immutable ledger of votes, ensuring that each vote is counted accurately and cannot be altered once recorded.
Eliminating Manual Accreditation and Voting
The manual accreditation and voting process is prone to errors and manipulation. Introducing secure electronic voting can eliminate these vulnerabilities, making the process more efficient and reliable. Updating biometric verification technologies, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, can ensure that only eligible voters participate, reducing the risk of fraud and enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.
Restoring Public Confidence
The handling of recent elections has led to widespread public disillusionment and protests, with many citizens viewing the government as illegitimate, incompetent and incapable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues. By implementing secure electronic voting and eliminating manual processes, Nigeria can restore sanity and confidence in its electoral system. These reforms are crucial to rebuilding public trust and ensuring that elections produce leaders who genuinely represent the will of the people.
Implementation Modalities and Logistics
Legislative Reforms
Establishing a robust legal framework is the first step in implementing diaspora voting and secure electronic voting systems. This includes amending the electoral laws to accommodate these reforms and setting strong clear guidelines on eligibility, registration, and voting procedures. Legislation should outline the responsibilities of electoral bodies, the rights of diaspora voters, and the measures to ensure the integrity and security of the voting process.
Pilot Programs
Before full-scale implementation, pilot programs should be conducted in select countries with significant Nigerian populations. These pilots can help identify potential challenges and refine the process. They provide valuable insights into logistical, technical, and administrative aspects, allowing for necessary adjustments before nationwide rollout.
Technology Integration
Utilizing secure online voting platforms, blockchain technology, and biometric verification systems is crucial for the success of these reforms. These technologies ensure the integrity, security, and transparency of the voting process, preventing fraud and manipulation. Continuous updates and audits of the system can help maintain its reliability and security.
Voter Education and Awareness
Comprehensive voter education campaigns are essential to inform diaspora citizens and those in Nigeria about the new voting processes, the technology used, and the importance of their participation. These campaigns can be conducted through online platforms, social media, and partnerships with diaspora organizations to ensure that voters are well-informed and motivated to participate.
Collaboration with Host Countries
Working with host countries is necessary to ensure that diaspora voting does not contravene local laws and that there is support for the logistical aspects of the process. Bilateral agreements and diplomatic efforts can facilitate the smooth implementation of diaspora voting, ensuring compliance with international standards and host country regulations.
Security Measures
Implementing robust technical support and cybersecurity measures is paramount to prevent cyber threats and ensure the integrity of the voting process. Regular audits and updates to the system can help maintain its reliability and security. Advanced cybersecurity measures, continuous monitoring, and response protocols can safeguard the voting process from potential threats.
Ultimately, incorporating diaspora voting and secure electronic voting into Nigeria’s electoral process is essential to revitalizing the nation’s democracy which at the moment is under serious threat. These reforms will expand the electorate, ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their location, can participate in the democratic process. They will also enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral system, reducing the risk of fraud and manipulation. By adopting these changes, Nigeria can restore public trust in its elections, produce better leaders and representatives, and drive national development. The time for change is now, and diaspora voting and secure electronic voting are critical components of that change.
Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment