Introduction
The 2023 General Election in Nigeria marked a crucial milestone in the nation’s democratic journey as citizens exercised their right to elect their leaders with support from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting credible elections.1Sahara Reporters, “Nigerian Election 2023: What Did We Learn From It”, March 29, 2023, Opinion in https://saharareporters.com/2023/03/29/nigerian-election-2023-what-did-we-learn-it-matthew-ma However, concerns about voter suppression and electoral integrity cast a shadow over the democratic process. This article explores the key issues related to voter suppression and the overall integrity of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
Historical Context
Nigeria has a complex history of electoral challenges, as previous elections have been marred by allegations of irregularities and voter suppression. Since independence in 1960, violence and myriad malpractices have persistently plagued the process of electing the country’s leaders.2Ebere Onwudiwe and Chloe Berwind-Dart, “Breaking the Cycle of Electoral Violence in Nigeria,” United States Institute of Peace, Special Report 263, December, 2010 in https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/resources/SR263 These issues erode public trust in the electoral process, undermine democratic principles, and hinder the country’s progress towards a fair and inclusive society. Against this background, the 2023 general elections initially held the promise of a more transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process.
Voter Suppression and Electoral Integrity Crisis in the 2023 General Election in Nigeria
Despite expectations for greater electoral integrity, instances of voter suppression persisted during the 2023 General Elections. Voter suppression refers to deliberate measures and tactics deployed to hinder eligible voters from participating in the electoral process. This can take various forms, including voter intimidation, deliberately placing hurdles in the path of voter registration, inadequate access to polling stations, and the manipulation of the delineation of electoral boundaries. Of great concern during the elections were shortcomings such as the uneven distribution of polling stations, sporadic incidents of the late arrival of voting materials or of ad-hoc staff which resulted in the late opening of polls,3Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, “Votes, Violence and Validity: Our Understanding of Nigeria’s 2023 Sub-National Elections,” March 21, 2023, in https://www.cddwestafrica.org/reports/votes-violence-and-validity-our-understanding-of-nigeria-s-2023-sub-national-elections/ particularly in regions with high population density or areas traditionally supportive of certain political parties. In some instances, citizens having to travel long distances to cast their votes were deterred from participating in the electoral process, resulting in low voter turnout. Moreover, there were widespread reports of voter intimidation and violence in certain areas such as Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kogi to Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Edo, Delta, Ogun, and Lagos States among others, further suppressing voters’ confidence and engagement.4Sun News Online, “Nigeria Decides 2023: Voter suppression, killings, violence hallmark 2023 polls”, March 23, 2023, Editorial Reading in https://sunnewsonline.com/nigeria-decides-2023-voter-suppression-killings-violence-hallmark-2023-polls/ One of the interesting developments about the 2023 electoral violence was the incident in Lagos State, where the Oro Cult was deployed in some communities to intimidate and scare away voters and prevent them from going out to cast their votes. Members of the Oro Cult group were parading openly in some parts of Lagos in broad daylight on Election Day; a development many said was a calculated attempt to prevent people, particularly women, from going out to vote.5Ibid.
Virtually nothing worked according to INEC’s plan6Tribune Online, “2023 general election and integrity test”, March 29, 2023, Editorial Reading in https://tribuneonlineng.com/2023-general-election-and-integrity-test/ and it would not be surprising if the country experiences the highest numbers of post-election court cases since the return to democracy in 1999.7Chijioke Iremeka, “Electoral fraud, technology and future of Nigeria’s democracy” The Guardian, 08 April 2023, in https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/electoral-fraud-technology-and-future-of-nigerias-democracy/ The occurrence of vote-buying, an illegal practice where political contestants buy votes using money or gifts, severely undermines the credibility of the election. Vote-buying compromises the principle of free and fair elections by manipulating the will of the voters and undermining the democratic process. Furthermore, the issue of electoral security played a critical role in determining the integrity of the political process. The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) noted that instances of violence, ballot box snatching, and the disruption of voting activities by political thugs were reported across the country,8The Guardian, “TMG decries violence, vote buying, apathy during guber polls,” March 24, 2023, Politics in https://guardian.ng/politics/tmg-decries-violence-vote-buying-apathy-during-guber-polls/ causing fear and insecurity among voters. Such incidents not only disenfranchised citizens but also cast doubts on the overall legitimacy of election results.
Addressing Voter Suppression and Electoral Integrity Crisis in 2023 General Elections in Nigeria
To ensure electoral integrity, various factors need to be considered, such as transparency, fairness, accuracy, and accountability. Regrettably, the 2023 general elections in Nigeria faced challenges in these areas.
Nigeria needs to take concrete steps to address the issues of voter suppression and the electoral integrity crisis. At the heart of the efforts toward ensuring electoral integrity lies the role and effectiveness of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). The Nigerian electorate, civil society, and citizen organizations should mobilize to ensure the independence and autonomy of the electoral commission as a strategy for upholding the integrity of the electoral process in the country. The commission should be free from undue political influence, adequately funded, and staffed with competent professionals who can efficiently perform their duties.
In addition, I propose the following recommendations for achieving a more inclusive and credible democratic system in Nigeria.
Strengthen Voter Education:
Enhancing civic education programs is essential to empowering citizens with the knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. Well-planned programs can motivate and encourage citizens to participate in the voting process and identify and report instances of electoral malpractice.9U.S. Election Assistance Commission Seven, “Tips to Strengthen Voter Education Programs” America Vote Act of 2002 in https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/28/EducatingVoters%5B3%5D-508%20Compliant.pdf This can help reduce voter suppression and improve electoral integrity in the country
Improve Electoral Infrastructure:
Addressing the issue of uneven distribution of polling stations is crucial. Investing in the provision of adequate infrastructure and establishing polling stations in remote and densely populated areas will enhance accessibility and increase voter turnout. The building and consolidation of the electoral infrastructure should be complemented by the establishment of strong mechanisms for ensuring political and electoral integrity.
Electoral Reforms:
There is also the need for inclusive electoral reforms that ensure the political leadership is strongly committed to promoting the rights of Nigerian citizens.10Oduola, Saheed Olasunkanmi, Hayatullah Boladale Hassan, and Banna Sawaneh. “Voters’ Education and Credible Elections in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges of 2019 General Elections” International Journal of Politics and Good Governance, 11, no. 11.1 (2020).. Continual review and improvement of electoral laws and regulations are necessary to address emerging challenges, as well as introducing and imposing strong sanctions on those found guilty of vote-buying, voter intimidation, and violence as a deterrent to the perpetuation of electoral malpractices.
Strengthen Electoral Security Measures:
The Nigerian government, political parties, and civil society groups need to take steps to improve election security, defuse tensions, and mitigate the risks of violence.11International Crisis Group, “Mitigating Risks of Violence in Nigeria’s 2023 Elections,” 10 February 2023 in https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/west-africa/nigeria/311-mitigating-risks-violence-nigerias-2023-elections This should not only include the deployment of adequate security personnel and polling stations, but also involve early warning systems and the use of proactive intelligence gathering to prevent electoral fraud and violence.
Use of Electoral Technology:
Leveraging technology in voter registration, result collation, and transmission processes can increase efficiency, transparency, and accuracy. Embracing biometric identification systems and securing electronic voting machines can help streamline the electoral process, minimize human error, and enhance overall electoral integrity.
Civil Society Engagement:
Civil society organizations can play a significant role in raising awareness, advocating for electoral reforms, and holding authorities accountable for any violations of democratic principles. Promoting transparency and communication between electoral authorities and the public is crucial. Regular updates on electoral processes, voter registration, and security measures can foster trust, encourage citizen engagement, and dispel doubts about the fairness of the elections. Part of civil society engagement should also involve working with election monitors and international election monitors to ensure the credibility and fairness of the elections, bolster public confidence, and deter electoral misconduct.
