INEC’s Response to Election Result Discrepancies.
The recent statement by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the validity and authenticity of the 2023 presidential election results raises significant questions about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the electoral process. This situation merits a careful, critical examination.
Transparency Concerns
INEC’s blanket dismissal of discrepancies between publicly announced results and those filed by polling unit workers is troubling. The commission’s refusal to address specific concerns raised by the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) about differences in the number of canceled polling units and affected registered voters does little to instill public confidence. Instead of providing clarification, INEC’s response seems to sidestep the core issues.
The Data Discrepancy
The CCIJ’s claim of a significant difference between the number of canceled polling units announced on television (1,578) and those reported on INEC’s IREV system (2,203) is a serious matter. This discrepancy of 625 polling units, potentially affecting thousands of voters, deserves a thorough explanation. INEC’s failure to address this point directly is a missed opportunity for transparency.
Defensive Posture
INEC’s response appears more defensive than explanatory. The insistence on the need for specific polling unit information before addressing concerns, while reasonable in principle, comes across as an attempt to deflect scrutiny. In an era of data-driven accountability, INEC should be able to address broader patterns and discrepancies without requiring granular details for every instance.
The YouTube Evidence
INEC’s dismissal of the YouTube videos as showing no contradictions is problematic. While the formal procedure may have been followed in these clips, it doesn’t negate the possibility of discrepancies between these public announcements and the data entered into the IREV system. A more thorough investigation and explanation of any differences would have been more reassuring.
The Importance of Public Trust
The integrity of electoral processes is fundamental to democratic governance. INEC’s categorical statement that the results are “official and authentic” without addressing the specific concerns raised by CCIJ risks eroding public trust. In a country with a history of electoral controversies, every effort should be made to address doubts and provide clear, data-backed explanations for any discrepancies.
Moving Forward
To address these concerns and strengthen the electoral process, several steps should be considered
Independent Audit: An independent, third-party audit of the election results, comparing public announcements with IREV data, could help resolve discrepancies.
Enhanced Transparency: INEC should consider making raw election data more accessible to the public and researchers for verification.
Improved Communication: A more detailed, point-by-point response to concerns raised by organizations like CCIJ would demonstrate a commitment to transparency.
Technological Upgrades: Investing in more robust, real-time data systems could help prevent discrepancies between different reporting methods.
Public Education: Increased efforts to educate the public on the intricacies of the electoral process could help build trust and understanding.
INEC’s Response to Election Result
While INEC’s assertion of the validity of the 2023 presidential election results may be correct, their response to the concerns raised falls short of the level of transparency and accountability required in a modern democracy. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, it’s crucial that bodies like INEC not only ensure the integrity of elections but also demonstrate their commitment to openness and thorough explanation of any perceived irregularities. Only through such transparency can public trust in the electoral process be maintained and strengthened.
Reference
No discrepancies in 2023 Presidential election results, they are valid and authentic – INEC published in lindaikejisblog