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OPINION: ELECTRONIC VOTING — THE TIME IS NOW
Date: 15-08-26

Having watched with concern the controversies, allegations of electoral malpractice, violence and needless loss of lives that have continued to accompany elections in Nigeria, I believe the country must seriously embrace electronic voting for future elections.

Why should exercising one's constitutional right to vote become a matter of life and death?
Nigeria has reached a stage where technology should be used more effectively to protect the integrity of our elections. A secure electronic voting system could reduce dependence on physical ballot papers, minimise opportunities for ballot-box snatching and help reduce the huge security burden associated with elections.

Imagine a properly designed system where eligible Nigerians could cast their votes electronically and securely for candidates of their choice without being exposed to violence at polling centres.
Of course, electronic voting must not simply mean allowing everybody to vote casually from a phone. There must be strong safeguards: reliable voter identification, protection against hacking and multiple voting, independent auditing, transparent verification, adequate infrastructure and provisions for citizens who do not own smartphones or have reliable internet access.

Nigeria has millions of people using digital devices and electronic financial services every day. If we can securely transfer money electronically, communicate across the world and conduct major transactions online, we should begin serious national discussions about building a trustworthy electronic voting system.

The enormous resources deployed for election logistics and security could gradually be redirected towards developing and protecting a credible electoral technology infrastructure.

Political leaders must also demonstrate the courage to support reforms that reduce opportunities for manipulation. Whether governors, political parties or even the Presidency, nobody should be afraid of a transparent electoral system that allows the people's genuine choice to prevail.

Electronic voting should not belong to APC, Accord, PDP, Labour Party or any other political party. It should belong to Nigerians.
Technology alone will not cure every electoral problem, but Nigeria cannot continue doing the same thing and expect different results.

The debate should begin now.
The preparation should begin now.
The safeguards should begin now.
The time for credible, secure and transparent electronic voting in Nigeria is now.

I remain,
Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo
SOMH Cares
+2348033340285

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