Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu is the Principal Partner at Friends Chambers, and the Chairman of the Society for Advancement of Democracy in Nigeria (SADN). In this press interview with our Senate Correspondent, Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka in his office in Abuja over the weekend, he among others enjoins Senate to ensure that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) uses Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), in Nigeria’s future elections, as is obtainable in India and other countries. Excerpts.
Qtn: Sir, as a chairman of a pro-democracy organisation, the SADN and a senior lawyer of note, what are your thoughts on the current electoral system in Nigeria?
Ans: The current system in Nigeria is flawed, prone to manipulation, and lacks transparency. We need EVMs, as obtainable in some countries, to ensure free and fair elections in the country.
Qtn: Why do you think EVMs are necessary for Nigeria?
Ans: EVMs provide a secure, transparent, and efficient way of voting, reducing the risk of electoral fraud and increasing voter confidence.
Qtn: How do EVMs work?
Ans: EVMs use a one-touch system, where votes are recorded directly on the server, eliminating the need for manual collation and reducing the risk of tampering.
Qtn: Can you briefly mention the countries where EVMs were used with success?
Ans: Yes, countries like India, Namibia, and the United States use EVMs, with great success.
Qtn: What are the benefits of EVMs?
Ans: EVMs reduce electoral fraud, increase voter turnout, and provide a transparent and efficient voting process.
Qtn: Are there any concerns about EVMs?
Ans: Some people raise concerns about technical glitches, but these can be addressed with proper implementation and testing.
Qtn: How can Nigeria address the challenges of implementing EVMs?
Ans: We can learn from countries that have successfully implemented EVMs, and work with experts to ensure a smooth transition.
Qtn: What should be the role of INEC in implementing EVMs?
Ans: INEC should take the lead in implementing EVMs, working with stakeholders and experts to ensure a successful rollout.
Qtn: Do you think the presidency is supportive of EVMs?
Ans: I believe the presidency is open to EVMs, and sees the benefits of a more transparent and efficient electoral process.
Qtn: How can the Senate support the implementation of EVMs?
Ans: The Senate should pass legislation to enable the use of EVMs, and provide oversight to ensure a smooth implementation.
Qtn: What are the key features of modern EVMs?
Ans: Modern EVMs have features like voter-verified paper audit trails, tamper-evident seals, and robust security measures.
Qtn: Don’t you think they can be hacked?
Ans: EVMs are designed to be secure, with multiple layers of protection, making them resistant to hacking.
Qtn: How can Nigeria ensure the success of EVMs?
Ans: Nigeria should invest in voter education, testing, and training, and ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Qtn: What is the future of Nigeria’s electoral system?
Ans: With EVMs, Nigeria can have a more transparent, efficient, and credible electoral system, strengthening our democracy. So the EVMs are the answer to free, fair and credible election.
Qtn: How do EVMs address the issue of electoral violence?
Ans: EVMs can reduce electoral violence by minimizing human involvement in the voting process and providing a clear and transparent result.
Qtn: Can EVMs be used in rural areas with limited infrastructure?
Ans: Yes! EVMs can be designed to work in areas with limited infrastructure, using battery-powered devices and offline voting systems.
Qtn: How will EVMs affect voter turnout?
Ans: EVMs are expected to increase voter turnout, as they provide a more convenient and efficient voting experience.
Qtn: What is the cost of implementing EVMs in Nigeria?
Ans: The cost of implementing EVMs will depend on various factors, including the number of voting machines needed and the scope of the project. However, the long-term benefits of EVMs far outweigh the costs.
Qtn: What is the timeline for implementing EVMs in Nigeria?
Ans The implementation of EVMs will require a phased approach, starting with pilot projects and gradually rolling out to all states. We expect the process to take about 2-3 years to complete.
