YIAGA: Reforms fail to inspire confidence in INEC

YIAGA Africa, a reputable civil society organization, has conducted a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria's electoral processes, revealing a persistent lack of public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite several reforms implemented by the commission, concerns remain regarding its ability to conduct smooth and transparent elections. The recent delay in the upload of election results on the online portal following the polls only serves to underscore these challenges. YIAGA Africa is calling for a thorough audit and investigation to identify the root causes of these issues. Paul James, the Head of Elections at YIAGA Africa, provided key insights into their findings in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Paul James highlighted the importance of comparing different elections to understand the evolving electoral landscape in Nigeria. The deployment of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) in various state elections was a significant development. YIAGA Africa closely monitored the deployment of BIVAS in several elections, including the Isoko South constituency by-election in Delta State, the Anambra elections, the FCT election of 2022, and the Ekitea National Election. While the BIVAS functionality was successful in many instances, there were notable challenges that affected the credibility of the electoral process. In the Anambra elections, discrepancies were observed between the voter register and the BIVAS data, raising concerns about the accuracy of voter information. Despite these issues, the turnout in Anambra was relatively low, masking the full extent of the problem. Similarly, during the FCT election, logistical and technical difficulties hampered the effective use of the BIVAS, leading to operational challenges on the ground. The limited capacity of election officials to utilize the system further exacerbated the situation. Looking ahead to future elections, including the upcoming polls scheduled for the following Saturday, YIAGA Africa emphasized the need for rigorous testing and preparedness. Prior field tests of the BIVAS revealed critical issues such as network connectivity problems and shortages of the devices in certain locations. These findings underscore the importance of addressing technical and logistical concerns to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Despite the time constraints of the interview, Paul James offered valuable insights into the challenges facing INEC and the broader electoral landscape in Nigeria. YIAGA Africa's dedicated monitoring and analysis serve as a vital resource for assessing the effectiveness of electoral reforms and promoting transparency in the electoral process. As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the recommendations stemming from YIAGA Africa's research will play a crucial role in enhancing public confidence and strengthening the electoral system.