Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concerns about the accuracy of vote counts in Nigeria’s elections.
Speaking at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, Jonathan attributed the inaccuracy to the presence of “ghost voters” and the manipulation of elections by dominant political leaders.
Jonathan emphasized the need for credible and independent electoral institutions, as well as robust electoral reforms. He also stressed the importance of improving the voter registration system and electoral processes to ensure that democracy functions effectively.
The former President criticized the regionalization of the electoral process, which he believes is a major hindrance to Nigeria’s ability to elect capable leaders. He noted that regionalization has deeply infiltrated the system, affecting all facets, including religious groups.
Jonathan also highlighted the challenges confronting elections in West Africa, citing examples from Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Ghana. He observed that the high voter turnout and peaceful transitions of power in these countries demonstrate public enthusiasm for democratic participation and consolidation.
Furthermore, Jonathan emphasized the need for sustained progress in democracy within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to foster hope among citizens. He commended West Africa’s democratic progress despite recent setbacks, including coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.
Key Recommendations by Jonathan:
– _Robust Electoral Reforms_: Improve the voter registration system and electoral processes to ensure that democracy functions effectively.
– _Independent Electoral Institutions_: Ensure that electoral institutions are credible, independent, and resistant to manipulation by dominant political leaders.
– _Efficient Use of Technology_: Leverage technology to enhance the electoral process, but also recognize its limitations and the need for human integrity.
– _Youth Participation_: Encourage robust youth participation in the electoral process to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
By implementing these recommendations, Nigeria and other West African countries can strengthen their democratic institutions and ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible.