As Nigeria prepares to appoint a new electoral chief by October, the spotlight is on fixing the country’s fragile election system. The West African nation has a history of flawed polls marked by violence, irregularities, and poor logistics. Over the years, progress has been recorded in strengthening its electoral process. However, there have also been some setbacks, such as the logistical failures of the 2023 elections. To ensure that Nigeria’s electoral process takes another step forward, the incoming chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission must prioritize an agenda that includes conducting transparent elections, ensuring credible voter registration, and strict enforcement of electoral laws. Proposals also include the deployment of smarter technology, better party regulation, and a total overhaul of civic education. While the role is politically sensitive, bold reforms such as these are essential to prevent further erosion of democratic norms.
The Conversation
