Electoral Reforms Not Holistic – Expert

The current electoral reforms being canvassed by some stakeholders have been described as half measures to the needs of the nation.
A political scientist, Dr. Promise Eziho Ogele, in a chat with The Tide said the reforms may not achieve its objective as it is only aimed at satisfying the needs of the politicians.
According to him, late President Umaru Yar’dua had championed a comprehensive electoral reform, which former President Goodluck Jonathan implemented in half measure and now the gains have been swept away.
Ogele, who is lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the Rivers State University said now is the best time to push for a comprehensive electoral reform, but regretted that President  Muhammadu Buhari  is not disposed to do so.
He urged President Buhari to use this period of his second tenure to initiate reforms that  will outlive him and inject transparency in the electoral system.
“The period of transition is the best time to push for reforms because at that time, you don’t have anything at stake”, said Ogele.
The university don also said that the judiciary has a role to play in electoral reforms,noting that most reforms had been initiated by court judgments in the past years.
He said that the endorsement of electronic transmission of results might not achieve the desired results.
“ As far as Iam concerned, it can be manipulated. Look at what happened in USA during the last elections. There is the possibility of a big politician manipulating it to his favour,” Ogele declared.
“The current situation makes it difficult for younger politicians to run for office, since they can’t afford the finance and funding by the older political class”, he added.

By: Kevin Nengia