We often point fingers at INEC for delayed polling starts, but what about the other players? It turns out, elections are a massive team effort. If security agencies, transport vendors, and even those managing the riverine areas (which are always tricky to access) aren’t on the same page with INEC, delays are inevitable. Simply put, even with INEC’s best intentions, smooth sailing on Election Day requires everyone rowing in the same direction.
Take for instance the remote riverine areas. Boats are often the only way to transport election materials, and if the vendors or security forces are behind schedule, there’s no way INEC can open polls on time. Then there’s the security personnel who are supposed to be at polling units early, ensuring voter safety. If they’re stuck in traffic, well, you get the drift.
It is very important to note that INEC punctuality drive is part of a bigger picture. The challenge isn’t just about getting the ballot boxes out on time is about coordinating across various sectors to ensure every vote can be cast. Election delays, frustrating as they are, highlight the complexity of running elections in a country as diverse and geographically challenging as Nigeria.
So next time the polls open late, don’t just think “INEC messed up.” Instead, consider the bigger picture: boats, security forces, transport logistics, and the countless moving parts that make up an election. Let’s hope for better coordination next time because a timely start means a smoother election process for everyone.
Credit: News Central TV
#EdoDecides2024: “INEC is thriving to up the punctuality index…but election is a multi-stakeholder engagement. If the security agencies, transport vendors and those who support the riverine areas do not cooperate with INEC, we’re likely going to see late opening of polls.”
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) September 21, 2024
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