Bloody Ballots

Over two decades of democratic rule, elections in Nigeria have been marked by violence. The idea that political positions are lifetime opportunities to amass material wealth and establish resourceful linkages has intensified the scramble for power in Nigeria. Politicians employ all available means to achieve their inordinate ambitions to win political power. Against this backdrop, before, during and after electoral polls have been marked with tales of deaths, maiming and destruction of public and private properties.

A report by Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room estimates that 626 persons were killed across Nigeria in the six months between election campaign and the commencement of the general and supplementary elections. Human Rights Watch report reveals that about 800 people were killed in the 2011 post-election violence nationwide. International Crisis Group states that more than 100 people died during the 2015 general elections. From the figures, 2011 would be regarded as the deadliest, although there was a significant decline in 2015, the 2019 elections witnessed pockets of violence nationwide.

The 2019 general elections have punctured the success; in terms of minimal fatalities recorded in 2015 elections against the bloody 2011 elections. There is need to engage in policy actions that will mitigate the level of violence in Nigeria elections. In view of the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states, what is the readiness of INEC as the electoral umpire to conduct a peaceful, free and fair polls? Can the security agencies be relied upon to maintain neutrality in theses polls, and other future elections in Nigeria? Are there policy actions that can address these challenges?

Disincentivising political positions can be a proactive way of reducing the cut-throat approach towards elective positions. Leadership positions should be structured in a way that it is a call for service and not an avenue to enrich oneself and cronies. In recent times, vote-buying has become more prominent in Nigerian elections largely because of the poverty level. However, engagement in sensitisation campaigns on the ripple effects of electoral malpractice will help to dissuade people from falling prey to dishonest party agents.  Stiff penalties should be meted on defaulters, and security agencies found obstructing the peaceful conduct of polls should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrence to others.

For Further Reading, Click: Militarising the 2019 Elections