STAGGERED ELECTIONS: MITIGATING STATE ACTOR INTERFERENCE IN OFF-CYCLE ELECTIONS BY PETER AMEH
THE NEED TO CONDUCT ALL ELECTIONS IN ONE DAY BY AMENDING SECTIONS 132(2), 178 (2), 64(1) AND 105 (1) OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION AS AMENDED TO APPOINT A SINGLE DATE FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL, GUBERNATORIAL, NATIONAL AND STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTION IN NIGERIA.
Nigeria’s electoral process has faced numerous challenges, including high costs, logistical inefficiencies, and voter fatigue. To address these issues, conducting all elections in one day has been proposed. This approach would reduce the financial burden on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the government, promote accountability and transparency, and encourage greater voter turnout.
Consolidating elections into a single day can significantly reduce the overwhelming influence of state actors in suppressing opposition, particularly during staggered elections. This is because staggered elections provide more opportunities for state actors to interfere with the electoral process, manipulate results, and intimidate opposition candidates and their supporters.
Off-cycle elections, held outside the regular electoral cycle, can be particularly vulnerable to manipulation just imagine what is happening in Edo gubernatorial election. These elections often:
– Lack transparency
– Have limited observer presence
– Face reduced voter turnout
– Provide opportunities for state actors to concentrate resources and influence
THE BENEFIT OF CONSOLIDATED ELECTIONS
Holding all elections on the same day would significantly reduce the financial burden on INEC and the government. This is because the cost of logistics, personnel, and materials would be incurred only once, rather than spread across multiple election days.
Consolidating elections into one day can significantly reduce the overwhelming influence of state actors in suppressing opposition, particularly during staggered elections. This is because staggered elections provide more opportunities for state actors to interfere with the electoral process, manipulate results, and intimidate opposition candidates and their supporters.
By holding all elections on the same day, the likelihood of state actors concentrating their forces to suppress opposition is greatly diminished. This is due to several factors:
REDUCED WINDOW FOR INTERFERENCE: With a single election day, state actors have a shorter timeframe to interfere with the electoral process, making it more difficult to manipulate results or intimidate opposition candidates.
INCREASED TRANSPARENCY: Consolidated elections promote transparency, as all elections are held simultaneously, making it easier for citizens, civil society organizations, and international observers to monitor the electoral process.
ENHANCED ACCOUNTABILITY: With all elections held on the same day, state actors are more accountable for their actions, as any attempts to suppress opposition will be more visible and scrutinized.
Additionally, consolidated elections can also:
PROMOTE VOTER TURNOUT: By holding all elections on the same day, voter turnout is likely to increase, as citizens are more engaged and motivated to participate in the electoral process.
REDUCE COST: Consolidated elections can reduce the financial burden on electoral management bodies, as the costs associated with conducting multiple elections are eliminated.
Consolidating elections into one day is an effective way to reduce the influence of state actors in suppressing opposition and promote a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive electoral process.
– Promote accountability and transparency in the electoral process
– Encourage greater voter turnout, as citizens would only need to visit the polls once
– Reduce voter fatigue and increase civic engagement
Addressing the Challenges
Implementing consolidated elections would require significant constitutional amendments. The 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2022, would need to be revised to accommodate this new framework.
Moreover, INEC would need to:
– Ensure adequate electoral infrastructure, including voting materials and personnel
Intensify voter education and awareness programs
Enhance its capacity to manage consolidated elections, including logistics, security, and results management
INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES
Other countries have successfully implemented consolidated elections, providing valuable lessons for Nigeria. For instance:
South Africa conducts its national and provincial elections on the same day
Ghana holds presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently
KEY REFORMS
To achieve consolidated elections in Nigeria, the following reforms should be considered:
1. Constitutional Amendments: Revise the 1999 Constitution and Electoral Act 2022 to provide for consolidated elections.
2. Electoral Infrastructure: Upgrade voting materials, technology, and personnel to handle increased voter turnout.
3. Voter Education: Intensify voter education and awareness programs.
4. INEC Capacity Building: Enhance INEC’s capacity to manage consolidated elections.
Consolidating elections in Nigeria is a viable solution to reduce costs, promote accountability and transparency, and encourage greater voter turnout. By implementing the necessary reforms and learning from international best practices, Nigeria can ensure a more efficient, cost-effective, and transparent electoral process. This would ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and promote civic engagement.
AMEH IS THE NATIONAL SECRETARY, CUPP, FORMER NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF IPAC. AND AN EX PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE