Director, Conflict Research Network, West Africa (CORN West Africa), Dr Tarila Marclint Ebiede has called for adequate security of voters and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the activities of armed militant groups in the Niger-Delta and south eastern part of the country have the capacity to undermine 2023 elections in the region.
The don asked the federal government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide capable security for electoral officials being sent to conduct elections in the creeks.
The political scientist who had been researching the Niger-Delta for 15 years stated this in a Colloquium Webinar organised by Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN West Africa).
Speaking on the topic, “Voting in the Creeks: Armed Militants and the 2023 Elections in the Niger Delta”, he stated that armed groups are being patronised by local and regional political actors in the region to gain access to power and resources.
According to him, while the technological introduction of BVAS is good, it cannot guarantee the security of voters and electoral officials.
“In the past, the security of electoral officials often fell in the hands of the dominant political parties or political actors in the area. This made electoral officials vulnerable to intimidation and attacks. Without adequate security for electoral officials, technological innovations such as BVAS will make little difference in the creeks of the Niger Delta.
”INEC should increase sensitisation of local actors and voters in coastal communities on the pivotal technological changes that have been introduced. INEC should make clear to violent actors the futility of winning election by violent means under the new Electoral Act and mode of voter authentication”
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