IS A FLAWED ELECTION BETTER THAN NO ELECTION?
My concern for this deep, refined, and beautiful topic wouldn't let me rest, until I give my own verdict. Right from time, the electioneering process has always been a flawed one, irrespective of the individuals involved. Isn't it? Flawed election has always been the concept, till this present time.. Isn't an unfair, and noncredible election a flawed election - this has become the concept and idea of election. I practically see no reason to stretch this discourse far.
However, the meaning, or let me say, definition of election must be highlighted to better give a proper insight on what it really is, how it works, and what it has become. In general sense, election is the process of choosing a Leader, member of Parliaments, Councillors, and other Representatives by popular vote. Flawed election, otherwise known as unfair, and noncredible election is the process of electing a Representative by several illegal means, and it includes; snatching of ballot paper, changing the actual number of votes, etc.. Election is a fundamental act, and the weapon that can be use to change the society. I hope we get it right someday.
If you will agree with me, I don't think there can ever be a fair, and credible election. The system doesn't even give room for that...but there could actually be a change in the election system if technological approach is applied - something we call E-VOTING, and there is proper monitoring. But,who are those that will be saddled with the monitoring responsibility? Humans. That's another blockage against good result. Where do we go? This has led us into becoming a less developed Nation...when those with ideas have no power, and those with power have no ideas.
A flawed election will never cease to exist. And a "no election" thing is not the way out of this total discrepancy. A "no election" will directly/indirectly cause imposition, as such process will breed inconsistent, and a weak government structure. No structure can ever be effective as an "elective body". On the other hand, a flawed election will cause the citizens negatively. As the main purpose behind a flawed election is "do or die". Organizing free and fair elections is more important than the result itself — Fatos Nano.
The moment a political position is not being seen as a "do or die" but as the will of God will make the vision we've always envisaged about the Nation come to reality. But, it's been labelled as a "do or die" and the flawed practice put into place to achieving the desired result must be recovered handsomely. Hence, the issue of embezzlement, and lackadaisical acts, once they assume office. Check out the elections that are won by THOSE acts, and tell me the kind of governance in those States.
If an election is flawed, the party involved is heading for something beyond good governance, but personal gain, selfish interest. Tell me, why will an election be flawed? What's the motive? As far as I'm concerned, I'll still tag the 2015 Presidential Election between MB and GEJ as the less flawed election. It was still a fair, and credible one, to some extent. I'll say 70% fair rate. I've not seen any other one close to it.
I'm not advocating for any of the two aforementioned options, as none is a good one. But,, I rather support a constructive electioneering process. ELECTION is important; it's bedrock for development in every nations. I pray we get it right someday. The ability of the citizens to decide, and choose their Representative should never be abolished. It's their right to vote and be voted for. The constitution rule over it....same way a flawed election is not written or properly acknowledged in the constitution. But, that's what the system preaches. Where do we go?
In this kind of cases, it's only imperative to make the structure much stronger than ever, and this could be achieved by engaging god of iron "Ògún". It should be a necessity for all qualified contestants in each and every segment of leadership to make an engagement (oath) with the god of iron towards having a free, fair and credible election. You do otherwise, you are a goner! There will be maximum composure.. This will greatly instill the act of good leadership in them. But, without that, achieving a fair election can never be achieve. It will always be a flawed one.
Perhaps, the law guiding election become more strengthened, and thorough scrutiny is observed. But, who go observe am? Na human being. The system is corrupt, and going by "no election" will not change anything but rather aggravate the problems. A successful election in Nigeria would help renew the region’s commitment to democracy at a pivotal moment.
So, I, as a patriotic citizen, do not agree with any of the two. I believe in election, and I know it will yeild something great someday. With intervention of the Almighty, flawed election will be a thing of the past, and "no election" will never cross our mind at any slight moment. We'll surely have a working system again. This might not have served the discourse well, and that's due to the factuality of the topic. The answer is meant to be short and precise. And that's NONE..but a fair election will do justice.
We've been suffering the consequences of an unfair one...do you want it to stop? If yes, then ME and YOU have a role to play. THE TRANSPARENCY ROLE. If we actually are, flawed election will be far gone. And the latter will not even be suggested. Nothing beats REAL ELECTION; it represents PEOPLE.
Thank you.
Babatunde Olabode (GMNSE)
September 1st, '24.
