Credible, transparent elections will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy – UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says credible, transparent elections will help strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and promote good governance.

Chief Technical adviser (Elections) Mr. Deryck Fritz made the statement on Monday at a one-day workshop tagged: “2023 General Election: Capacity Building Workshop for Voter Education Providers” held in Calabar, Cross River State Capital.

Fritz said elections could be credible, accessible, and fair when voters fully and freely participate in the electoral processes.

He maintained that the essence of the workshop was for the people to be well informed and guided on the electoral process so they could make an informed choice.

 “We will also view the outcome of a well-organised elections as legitimate; the social contract and the resulting governance will be strengthened.

“We know democratic elections can contribute to the advancement of Nigeria’s development aspirations, and this can only be possible if voters can participate fully and freely in the electoral process.

“To do this, citizens must have the information at their disposal that can facilitate their choice of representatives.”

He stressed that credible voter education would help counter disinformation, reduce the number of void votes, and build trust and credibility in the entire exercise.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that the commission enjoys more public confidence because of the technology deployed in recent polls.

The Chairman, represented by Deputy Director of Voters’ Education and Publicity, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ogboaja, said that INEC hopes to build on this going into the 2023 general elections.

He maintained that the enhanced technology, coupled with the amended electoral law, has made it impossible for anybody, including a commission staff, to manipulate the process.

“What we are trying to reduce now is the number of invalid ballots as public confidence in the commission has improved.

“The whole process will be in a mess if there is no confidence in the system,” he said.

In his remarks, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Cross River, Dr. Johnson Alalibo, urged participants to apply their experience in the workshop to ensure Nigerian voters are abreast with the guidelines on voting during elections.

“It is my belief that this training inspires ideas and discussions about the ways to educate the Nigerian voter effectively,” he said.

VANG/S.O