In a recent announcement made on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, The Punch Newspaper reported that the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) praised Ghana’s electoral system for its efficiency and the lessons learned from Nigeria in managing constituency election results.
The INEC Chairman noted that, until Ghana’s most recent election, all parliamentary and presidential results were collated at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Accra. The shift towards managing constituency-level results, inspired by Nigeria’s electoral framework, was highlighted as a significant improvement in transparency and efficiency.
However, the commendation has stirred varied reactions online. An X user, Dan Adala Bashirt, replied to the post, subtly critiquing Nigeria’s electoral system by stating, “At least they are not corrupt.” This remark reflects lingering public dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s election management, marred by allegations of irregularities and partisanship in recent years.
The discussion underscores a broader conversation about electoral credibility in West Africa. While Ghana has often been hailed as a beacon of democracy in the region, Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges surrounding transparency, fairness, and public trust in its electoral processes.
Observers argue that the INEC Chairman’s acknowledgment of Ghana’s progress is a step in the right direction, as cross-border learning and collaboration could bolster electoral practices across the continent. Yet, critics are quick to remind INEC of the urgent need to address its internal issues, which continue to erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
As this debate unfolds, many Nigerians are left wondering: can INEC rise above its challenges and set a gold standard for electoral integrity in Africa, or will it remain a symbol of a system in need of reform?
PIONEER NEWS 