POLITICS: Nigeria’s Reliance on International Bodies to Monitor its Elections before they can be considered Free and Fair
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is often referred to as the “Giant of Africa.” However, despite its size and potential, the country’s democratic system has been plagued by various issues, leading many to question the credibility of its elections. One of the most significant problems is the country’s apparent reliance on international bodies to monitor its elections before they can be considered free and fair.
Nigeria’s democratic journey has been a tumultuous one, marked by periods of military rule and political instability. However, since the return to democracy in 1999, elections have been held regularly, albeit with some controversies. One of the issues that have plagued Nigeria’s elections is the lack of transparency and credibility, leading to accusations of rigging and manipulation.
The situation has become so dire that Nigeria now relies heavily on international bodies to monitor its elections and provide legitimacy to the process. For instance, during the 2019 general elections, the European Union sent an observer mission to monitor the polls, and their findings were alarming. The EU report highlighted various issues, including voter intimidation, vote-buying, and the lack of transparency in the collation of results.
This situation is unacceptable for a country that prides itself as a democratic nation. The fact that Nigeria has to rely on external bodies to monitor its elections shows a lack of confidence in its own electoral system. It also raises questions about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). If the INEC is truly independent and credible, then there should be no need for external monitoring.
Another issue that has contributed to Nigeria’s faulty democracy is the lack of political will to address the root causes of electoral malpractices. For instance, vote-buying, which has become a prevalent practice during elections, is often ignored or downplayed by political leaders. Instead of addressing the issue, they often resort to blaming external factors or their opponents.
Furthermore, the lack of consequences for electoral offenders has contributed to the persistence of electoral fraud in Nigeria. Despite the existence of laws prohibiting electoral malpractices, offenders are rarely punished. This lack of consequences encourages a culture of impunity, where politicians can manipulate the electoral process without fear of repercussion.
The consequences of Nigeria’s faulty democracy are numerous. The lack of transparency and credibility in the electoral process erodes public confidence in the system and undermines the legitimacy of elected leaders. It also contributes to political instability, as aggrieved parties resort to violence or other means to seek redress.
To address these issues, Nigeria needs to take concrete steps towards reforming its electoral system and ensuring its credibility. This includes strengthening the independence of the INEC, addressing the root causes of electoral malpractices, and ensuring that electoral offenders face consequences for their actions.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s faulty democracy is a cause for concern, and the country’s reliance on external bodies to monitor its elections is a symptom of a larger problem. To truly become a democratic nation, Nigeria must take concrete steps towards addressing the root causes of electoral malpractices and ensuring the credibility of its electoral process.
Written by Jideofo Okibe,(Obinwannem News correspondent Enugwu State)
Date: May 12, 2024
Ubochi Afo Ani
Published by Ngozi Odoh (Obinwannem Nsukka Office Secretary)
