Electronic Voting Controversy: Jonathan Questions INEC’s Vote Counting Process

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concerns over the accuracy of vote counting in Nigeria’s elections. According to Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) vote counting process is flawed, and electronic collation of results is not recognized by law. This statement comes after INEC clarified that electronic collation of results is illegal in Nigeria.

The commission explained that the result viewing portal (IReV) is only for displaying Form EC8A uploaded from polling units, and not for collating election results or determining the winner. This clarification has sparked controversy, with many criticizing INEC’s stance on electronic collation. Some argue that electronic voting and collation are essential for transparency and credibility in elections.

Jonathan’s concerns highlight the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system. The former president emphasized the need for a reliable and transparent vote counting process to ensure the integrity of elections. He noted that the current process is vulnerable to manipulation and fraud, which can undermine the confidence of voters and the legitimacy of election outcomes.

The debate over electronic voting and collation has been ongoing in Nigeria for several years. Proponents argue that technology can improve the efficiency, transparency, and accuracy of the electoral process. They point to successful examples of electronic voting in other countries, such as Brazil and India. However, opponents raise concerns about the security and reliability of electronic systems, as well as the potential for technical glitches and manipulation.

INEC’s stance on electronic collation has been criticized by many, including civil society organizations and opposition parties. They argue that the commission’s reluctance to adopt technology is undermining the credibility of elections and perpetuating the status quo of manual voting and collation. Manual systems are often prone to errors, delays, and manipulation, which can lead to disputes and violence.

The controversy highlights the need for electoral reform in Nigeria. The country’s electoral system has been plagued by challenges, including vote buying, electoral violence, and disputes over election outcomes. To address these challenges, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the electoral process, including the adoption of technology to improve transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. This can help to restore confidence in the electoral system and ensure the integrity of elections.