The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a call to action regarding the establishment of mobile courts on election day. This initiative aims to address incidents of vote-buying, intimidation, and various electoral violations promptly. The recommendation was made by Mr. Bukola Idowu, the team leader of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
During a presentation of the organization’s final report on the conduct of the November 16 Ondo State off-cycle governorship election, Idowu emphasized the urgency of this measure. He believes that mobile courts could provide a swift judicial response to electoral misconduct, ensuring that violations are dealt with effectively on the spot.
The report further underscored the necessity of empowering the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). These agencies are encouraged to collaborate more closely with INEC in monitoring electoral processes and prosecuting offenders involved in vote-buying and other electoral crimes.
Idowu also highlighted the importance of introducing stricter penalties for serious violations, such as ballot box snatching. He argued that harsher consequences would serve as a deterrent against such actions and would help maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
In addition to punitive measures, Idowu called for pre-election testing of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices. This step is crucial to ensure that the technology functions properly before it is deployed on election day, reducing the likelihood of technical failures during the voting process.
Moreover, he recommended the deployment of technical support teams at all polling units. These teams would be responsible for minimizing errors in the operation of BVAS devices, ensuring that the voting process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Idowu also suggested expanding technological backup systems to address any malfunctions that may occur on election day. Having robust backup systems in place would help ensure that any technical issues can be resolved quickly, thereby maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
By implementing these measures, Idowu believes that Nigeria could significantly enhance the credibility of its elections. Strengthening the electoral framework is essential for rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions, which is vital for the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
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Ultimately, Idowu concluded that fostering good governance in Nigeria hinges on the successful execution of these recommendations. By taking decisive action against electoral violations and improving the electoral process, the country can move towards a more trustworthy democratic system.
