Jega Warns Against Rushed Adoption of E-Voting in Nigeria

Professor Attahiru Jega cautions the Nigerian government against hurriedly adopting electronic voting, citing poor infrastructure and dependence on foreign manufacturers. He stresses the importance of a realistic assessment before implementation, using examples from Estonia and India to illustrate his points. Jega calls for measured reforms to ensure the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged the Nigerian government to approach the adoption of electronic voting with caution. Speaking at The Platform event in Lagos on Democracy Day, he highlighted how infrastructure issues and capacity limitations could hinder effective implementation of e-voting in Nigeria. Jega emphasized the importance of not rushing into technology adoption, stating, “We have to understand the need to make haste slowly.”

Jega pointed out that while there is a pressing need to modernize the electoral process, Nigeria must evaluate its technological capabilities first. He remarked on the significant gaps in the country’s infrastructure, drawing a comparison to Estonia, known for its internet voting. “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 added. This, he noted, poses challenges in replicating Estonia’s technology here.

Moreover, Jega raised concerns about Nigeria’s reliance on foreign manufacturers for election equipment, stating, “We’re not equipment manufacturers. Without some level of independence, we risk becoming hostages to external suppliers.” He pointed out that developing local capacity is crucial for sustainable electoral reforms.

He also referenced India, a country with advanced technology, which still relies on mechanical voting systems rather than fully electronic ones. Jega recalled that expectations were high for the adoption of e-voting by 2019 following the 2015 elections, but the reality has proven otherwise. “There’s still a lot we must invest in before such systems become feasible,” he insisted.

Despite the widespread support for electoral modernization, Jega concluded by stressing that government officials should pursue cautious and practical reforms. His call to action aims to ensure that any changes contribute meaningfully to the credibility and longevity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

In summary, Professor Jega’s warnings about the rushed adoption of e-voting highlight crucial concerns about technology infrastructure and local manufacturing capabilities in Nigeria. While advocating for modernization, he emphasizes a cautious approach that could prevent long-term challenges in the electoral process. His insights present a call for stakeholders to focus on practical, incremental reforms to genuinely enhance Nigeria’s democracy.

Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com