Jega Warns Against Rushed Adoption of E-Voting in Nigeria

Professor Attahiru Jega warns Nigerian government against rushed adoption of e-voting, citing poor infrastructure and foreign dependence. At a Democracy Day event in Lagos, he highlights the urgent need for modernization but stresses that careful, measured steps are crucial. Jega’s comparison of Nigeria’s situation with Estonia and India underscores the need for realistic assessments before implementing electronic voting systems.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria, Professor Attahiru Jega, has issued a stern warning regarding the rushed adoption of electronic voting technology. He emphasized that Nigeria must proceed with caution, as the existing infrastructure and capacity limitations could jeopardize the efficacy of such a system. Addressing attendees at The Platform event in Lagos on Democracy Day, Jega remarked that while there is an urgent need to modernize the electoral process, swift action is not necessarily the best approach.

“We have to understand the need to make haste slowly,” Jega noted during his speech. He pointed out that while there is a desire to embrace technology, a thorough assessment indicates that significant gaps still exist in Nigeria’s technological infrastructure. Jega referenced Estonia — often praised for implementing internet voting — as an example not easily replicated due to the differences in infrastructure.

“Estonia is a very small country with far better infrastructure. Nigeria is still struggling with internet access even in many urban centers—rural areas are worse,” he elaborated. This stark comparison highlights the challenges Nigeria faces in adapting such technology effectively.

Jega further underlined concerns regarding Nigeria’s lack of domestic capacity for manufacturing election equipment. He warned about the dangers of over-reliance on foreign suppliers, stating, “We’re not equipment manufacturers. Without some level of independence, we risk becoming hostages to external suppliers.” This statement reflects Jega’s apprehensions about the potential ramifications of depending on outside sources for crucial electoral tools.

Additionally, he drew parallels with India, which, despite its technological prowess, still primarily utilizes mechanical voting systems rather than fully electronic ones. Jega expressed disappointment that, following the 2015 elections, many anticipated that Nigeria would implement e-voting by 2019; he reiterated, however, that the reality of the situation is far more complex.

“After the 2015 elections, many expected us to adopt e-voting by 2019. But the reality is different. There’s still a lot we must invest in before such systems become feasible,” he concluded. Jega’s insights urge government stakeholders to adopt a measured approach to implementing electoral reforms, emphasizing that such changes should be practical and sustainable to truly enhance credibility in Nigeria’s democratic framework.

In summary, Professor Attahiru Jega is urging caution regarding the swift adoption of electronic voting in Nigeria. He highlights the significant infrastructure gaps and lack of local manufacturing capacity as major hurdles. Focusing on gradual, practical reforms is essential for ensuring that technological advancements truly benefit Nigeria’s electoral system, according to Jega. His call for a balanced approach reverberates through concerns about foreign dependence and the realities of the current technological landscape.

Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com