Nigeria elections: How technology is driving voter education

As Nigeria gears up for the 2023 general election, the role of technology in driving voter education and awareness has come to the forefront. A recent report by SBM Intelligence highlights the impact of technology on voter interest and suggests that it may be the key factor in reversing the historical trend of low voter turnout. Ikemesit Effiong, the Head of Research at SBM Intelligence, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the findings in the report. One of the key points raised in the interview was the implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (Beavis) nationally. While this marks a significant step towards capacity development, the report revealed that 42% of voters are unsure about the fallback procedure for Beavis in case of failure. This uncertainty raises concerns about potential delays and voter frustration, especially considering the reliance of Beavis on 3G and 4G network connectivity. Another crucial point discussed was the predictions for Nigeria's next president. According to the polls conducted by SBM Intelligence, Pithelby leads with 17 states, followed by Atticu with 11 states, and Bolatino with nine states. The distribution of support across states reflects the voters' primary concerns around insecurity and the economy. The possibility of a second round to choose the next leader is also highlighted, given the distribution of states and potential national spread among the candidates. The issue of undecided voters emerged as a key factor that could sway the election outcome. Concerns around the economy, security, and job creation were identified as the primary reasons for voter indecision. The influence of ethnicity and religion on candidate choice was also significant, with a substantial portion of respondents indicating that these factors would play a crucial role in their decision-making. The interview further delved into the demographic breakdown of the polling data, revealing a majority of Christian respondents at 62%, followed by Muslims at 34%. The gender distribution showed 62% male and 32% female respondents. While these demographics may not directly indicate voter turnout, the interviewee expressed optimism about high turnout across various demographics, driven by the competitive candidate field and increased voter education efforts. In terms of the Electoral Empire's preparedness, the interview highlighted that while 60% of respondents expressed trust in INEC's ability to conduct free and fair elections, the remaining 40% still harbored concerns. Issues surrounding institutional capacity, currency shortages, and energy crises have contributed to skepticism among some Nigerians regarding the electoral process. Overall, the interview underscored the evolving dynamics of voter engagement and the potential for technology to reshape the electoral landscape in Nigeria. With the 2023 general election looming, the role of voter education, candidate dynamics, and institutional credibility will be crucial in determining the outcome and fostering a free, credible, and fair electoral process.