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An Open Letter to Protesters: Prioritize Electoral Amendment for Lasting Change
Dear Fellow Nigerians,
I write to you today with deep respect for your commitment to our nation’s future and the drive for positive change that fuels our collective desire for progress. Your readiness to take to the streets from August 1st under the banner of “End Bad Governance” speaks volumes about your passion and dedication to building a better Nigeria. It is a testament to your resilience and unwavering belief in the potential for a brighter tomorrow.
However, I urge you to consider a strategic recalibration of your efforts. While the list of demands you carry is extensive and just, focusing on a singular, impactful change could yield more immediate and significant results. Specifically, I propose that we unite behind one transformative demand: Electoral Amendment.
### Why Electoral Amendment?
The integrity of our electoral process is the cornerstone of democracy. The last electoral amendments aimed to secure the transparency and credibility of our elections, yet the recent polls were marred by irregularities and left many disillusioned. The courts’ validation of these perceived electoral shenanigans has only deepened the sense of betrayal among Nigerians.
Addressing electoral reform is fundamental. A reformed electoral system ensures that the will of the people is accurately reflected and respected. It lays the groundwork for all other demands by ensuring that those in power are truly representative and accountable.
### Key Areas for Electoral Amendment
1. **Transparent and Verifiable Voting Process**:
– Implement advanced technological solutions for voter registration and identification to eliminate fraud.
– Ensure electronic transmission of results from polling units to central collation centers to prevent tampering.
– Introduce block chain technology to provide an immutable ledger of votes, guaranteeing transparency and trust in the results.
2. **Diaspora Voting**:
– Amend the laws to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in elections. This inclusion recognizes their contributions and ensures their voices are heard in shaping the nation’s future.
– Develop secure online voting platforms, validated through robust identity verification mechanisms, to facilitate diaspora participation without compromising the integrity of the process.
3. **Independent Electoral Commission**:
– Strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by protecting it from political interference.
– Ensure that the appointment of INEC officials is based on merit, integrity, and non-partisanship, possibly through a transparent vetting process involving civil society.
4. **Judicial Accountability**:
– Establish a specialized electoral tribunal to handle disputes swiftly and transparently, with a focus on delivering justice that reflects the true electoral outcome.
– Mandate public access to court proceedings and rulings related to electoral disputes to promote accountability and public trust.
5. **Public Awareness and Engagement**:
– Launch extensive voter education campaigns to inform citizens of their rights and the voting process, reducing apathy and encouraging active participation.
– Engage civil society and grassroots organizations in monitoring and observing the electoral process to ensure compliance and transparency.
### Why Focus Solely on Electoral Amendment?
Concentrating on electoral reform offers a clear, achievable goal that can be attained through legislative action. By honing our collective energy on this pivotal issue, we can create a ripple effect that strengthens all other facets of governance. Here’s why this focused approach is both strategic and effective:
– **Feasibility and Impact**: Legislative amendments can be passed within a specific timeframe, making this an actionable and realistic demand. Success here sets a precedent for achieving other reforms.
– **Broad Support**: Electoral reform is a unifying issue that garners support across different segments of society. It’s a cause that resonates with every Nigerian who yearns for fair representation and accountability.
– **Sustainable Change**: With a transparent and credible electoral process, subsequent governments will be more representative and responsive to the people’s needs, creating a virtuous cycle of good governance.
### The Futility of Multiple Demands
While the comprehensive list of demands addresses many critical issues, pursuing too many goals simultaneously can dilute our efforts and reduce the likelihood of success. The sheer breadth of demands may overwhelm the system and result in minimal tangible change. Here’s why focusing on electoral reform is more strategic:
– **Complexity and Resistance**: Multiple demands require complex, multi-faceted solutions that can be challenging to implement simultaneously. It can also provoke resistance from various entrenched interests.
– **Incremental Progress**: By achieving a significant victory in electoral reform, we build momentum and set a foundation for addressing other issues progressively.
– **Clear Message**: A singular, focused demand sends a powerful, clear message that is harder to ignore or undermine.
### Next Steps: Pushing for Electoral Amendment
To translate this vision into reality, the following steps are crucial:
1. **Drafting Comprehensive Legislation**: Collaborate with legal experts, civil society, and legislators to draft a detailed amendment bill that addresses all the outlined areas.
2. **Lobbying and Advocacy**: Engage in intensive lobbying efforts with lawmakers to gain their support for the bill. Utilize social media, town halls, and other platforms to educate the public and rally widespread support.
3. **Monitoring and Evaluation**: Establish mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the new laws and evaluate their effectiveness in subsequent elections, starting with the upcoming Edo and Ondo State off-cycle elections.
### Call to Action
Fellow Nigerians, let us channel our energy, passion, and resolve into securing this crucial electoral amendment. By doing so, we lay a strong foundation for lasting change and ensure that the true will of the people is always reflected in our governance.
Together, let us demand a single, powerful change that has the potential to transform our nation: **Electoral Amendment Now!**
In unity and solidarity,
Ekeh Chidiebere a public affairs analyst writes from Abuja FCT Nigeria
