By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advocated for amendments to Nigeria’s constitution and electoral laws to facilitate early voting for critical personnel such as security forces, election staff, journalists, and other essential workers who are often unable to participate in elections on the official voting day due to their national duties.
This proposal is detailed in INEC’s latest publication, Election Management in Nigeria: 2015-2025, which features a foreword by the former INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The comprehensive 200-page volume chronicles significant achievements, reforms, and obstacles encountered in the administration of elections over the last ten years.
While INEC has made strides in expanding voter access by increasing polling units, integrating technologies like the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and promoting inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), women, and youth, it acknowledges that a vital segment of voters remains disenfranchised during elections.
“Personnel such as security operatives, election officials, transport workers, and journalists assigned to election duties frequently miss the opportunity to vote because they are deployed on election day. It is imperative that Nigeria considers constitutional and legislative reforms to enable early voting for these groups,” the commission emphasized.
To implement this, INEC recommends revising Articles 44 and 45 of the Electoral Act 2022 to empower the commission to announce early elections, specifying the date, time, eligible voters, and designated polling locations. Following such amendments, INEC would establish detailed regulations and guidelines outlining voter eligibility, voting procedures, and logistics.
The commission pointed to international examples where democracies have provisions for absentee or early voting to accommodate citizens unable to be physically present at polling stations on election day. Adopting similar reforms in Nigeria would enhance electoral inclusiveness and uphold the voting rights of those who serve the nation during elections.
Technology as a Support, Not a Solution
INEC also addressed misconceptions surrounding the role of technology in elections, cautioning that technological tools alone cannot guarantee credible outcomes. Instead, elections must remain fundamentally process-oriented, with technology serving as an aid rather than the driving force.
While digital innovations have improved voter registration, accreditation, and result transmission, the commission stressed that trust, transparency, and sound electoral procedures are indispensable. “Technology should support elections, not lead them, contrary to popular belief,” INEC stated.
The commission further argued that no matter how sophisticated, technology cannot resolve core issues of electoral integrity without legal clarity, stakeholder confidence, and transparent processes. It can enhance efficiency but cannot substitute for public trust.
INEC also warned against indiscriminately adopting costly, off-the-shelf technologies without adapting them to Nigeria’s unique context. Instead, the commission favors developing bespoke systems in-house or partnering with reputable firms to create tailored solutions.
INEC’s Policy on Election Technology Acquisition and Deployment (PETAD) outlines ten guiding principles that have shaped its technology strategy since 2015. These include ensuring backup systems are in place, prioritizing security through a combination of licensed and open-source software, and conducting phased pilot tests before full implementation.
These principles have informed the development of innovations such as the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED), and the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal. However, the commission reiterated that these tools are designed to complement electoral processes, not replace them.
Ultimately, INEC emphasized that without fostering public trust, reinforcing legal frameworks, and tackling human factors like vote-buying and electoral violence, technological advancements alone cannot ensure credible elections in Nigeria.