On inconclusive elections

Let me start by saying that this write ups does not in any way justify or support inconclusive elections. Inconclusive elections are undesirable and our elections should and or must mature enough to a level where we no longer witness such.

However, it is on record that there were series of inconclusive elections even under Professor Attahiru Jega’s tenure (2010 -2015 ) who has been adjudged by many analysts to be one of the best INEC chairmen that the country has had.

People of conscience should not allow politicians to continue to misinform the public on the issue of inconclusive elections. Legal experts must not keep mute or become partisan on issues like this. They must stand on the side of the law and educate people. Some of our politicians, through their utterances are acting as if we are having inconclusive elections for the first time.  If politicians are left unchecked they may instigate youths to cause avoidable violence.

I urge our legal experts, educated elite and the media to as a matter of urgency rise up to occasion and do more in terms of enlightenment campaigns on the issue of inconclusive elections. Let us be guided by the Electoral Act.

In my view, though inconclusive elections are undesirable, they are signs of credible polls. It shows the strength of parties/candidates. In the past, we had cases where winners were declared with wide margin without proper conduct of elections.

Inconclusive elections are generally caused by the  politicians who are desperate for power. The attitude of our political actors is not helping matters at all. Cases of electoral violence, over-voting, snatching of ballot boxes, among others are responsible for inconclusive elections.

All hands must be on deck towards preventing factors that cause inconclusive elections. INEC should remain independent, fair, transparent and neutral.

Nurudeen Dauda can be reached at:[email protected]