#ThursdayTalks September 2024 Edition
Topic: Integrity of the Ballot and Lessons for Nigeria’s Electoral Reform
On this edition of our #ThursdayTalks, centered around the crucial topic of “Integrity of the Ballot and Lessons for Nigeria’s Electoral Reform“ in light of the recent Edo elections, we brought together diverse perspectives from our speakers and attendees, highlighting the need for technological advancements in Nigeria’s electoral process. During the discussion, participants emphasised the importance of leveraging technology to bridge gaps in the electoral system, ensuring transparency and accountability. The recent Edo election exposed various challenges, including human error, ineffective training for officials, voter suppression, and the late arrival of materials. These issues underscored the need for reform and the potential for technology to mitigate such problems. Furthermore, the conversation touched on the trust deficit between citizens and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This trust gap must be addressed to ensure the integrity of future elections. Enhancing ballot security was also identified as a critical aspect of the electoral process, with participants offering recommendations for improvement.
Speakers:
Bukola Idowu – Executive Director Kimpact
Peter Aguebor – Executive Director MIND Initiative
Perewari Itaita – Programs Associate EiE Nigeria (Moderator)
Listen to the conversation here.