Building Trust in Nigeria’s Electoral Process: A Call for Transparency and Timely Communication
In a bid to enhance the electoral process in Nigeria, the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN) and the International Press Centre (IPC) have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to build citizens’ trust through transparency and timely communication. The call comes as Nigeria prepares for the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State.
The two organizations recently hosted a two-day workshop on “Effective Communication in Electoral Process: Communicating with Empathy and Expertise” for staff of Ondo State INEC, gearing up for the election. The workshop aimed to boost the communication capacity of the electoral body’s staff and positively impact on the confidence of the public, electorate, and political parties.
According to Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, citizens’ trust in the election management body is a necessary condition for polls to be acceptable. “Clear and transparent communication is essential for building trust with the electorate, ensuring that citizens are well-informed about the electoral processes and addressing any concerns that may arise,” he said.
Arogundade emphasized that INEC must engage the electorate well to regain their trust. “When there is no trust, no matter what INEC does, the perception will be there that they are not doing it very well. My advice to INEC in Ondo state is for them to understand the crisis of perception. So, they have to prepare for it to ensure people have the required confidence in the electoral process,” he warned.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, reaffirmed that the commission is set to conduct a credible, free, fair, inclusive, and transparent election. “We are prepared. We are doing a lot on voter education through various channels – mass media, grassroots mobilisers, and we are working with CSOs who are already on the field mobilising and creating awareness,” she said.
The REC highlighted that INEC has deployed non-sensitive materials to local government areas and assured that the remaining materials would be received for onward distribution this week. She also cautioned that BVAS would automatically upload results from polling units on the INEC election result viewing portal, and urged voters to make their voices heard by casting their ballots.
In a statement, the IPC ED urged registered voters in Ondo state to participate in the electoral process, shun vote-buying, and vote according to their conscience. “It is your responsibility to elect the government that you want. If the majority sit at home, then the minority will determine your fate for the next four years,” he warned.
As Nigeria looks forward to this critical electoral process, the call for transparency and timely communication from the EUSDGN and IPC is a timely reminder of the importance of building trust in the electoral process. By prioritizing civic engagement and addressing concerns, Nigeria can ensure a fair and peaceful election that reflects the will of the people.
