The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to meticulously observe and replicate the transparent execution of current local council elections in certain regions of Great Britain, where electoral procedures are carried out peacefully, with results transmitted automatically and electronically, devoid of unnecessary discord, confusion, or purported manipulation.
In a statement issued yesterday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA asserted that the orderly execution of the UK’s local council elections, which garnered favorable approval from the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Reform Party, Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and others, serves as an exemplary model for INEC to derive lessons in accountability, transparency, integrity, sincerity, preparedness, and neutrality.
The rights organization observed that in the UK council elections, results are electronically uploaded and promptly announced at polling stations, devoid of the typical tension, pervasive allegations of fraud, and unwarranted delays that frequently characterize significant elections in Nigeria, according to Saturday Guardian.
HURIWA remarked, “This transparent process exemplifies the electoral culture that Nigerians anticipate INEC will institutionalize prior to the January 2027 general election.”
The group thus urged the current INEC Chairman to emulate the exemplary British electoral system, warning him against diverting public focus by persistently blaming insecurity as the primary obstacle to conducting peaceful and legitimate elections in Nigeria.
HURIWA stated, “Although insecurity continues to be a national issue that security institutions must address earnestly, Nigerians are increasingly concerned about the credibility, neutrality, and independence of the electoral authority.”
HURIWA asserts that the credibility problem confronting INEC is significant and cannot be overlooked, as elections essentially rely on public trust, impartiality, and confidence in the electoral process.
INEC must promptly restore trust, as several Nigerians currently perceive the electoral institution as lacking the necessary neutrality and independence to administer transparent elections. Public trust in elections is fundamental to democracy and must not be overlooked.
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