Daniel Usman in Kogi state; Mrs Amakiri Ibisaki in Rivers state and many others across different states of the Federation all had their aspirations and hoped to see better days ahead, probably fantasizing about being a part of a new Nigeria. But the sad truth is like a bird suddenly deprived of its wings, their hope has been eternally brought low for the singular reason that their lives were cut short. Death is a prize we all will get to pay someday, but that these patriots were killed while attempting to perform their civic duty or be a part of the process that will help herald in the Nigeria of their dream makes it rather disheartening – a tragic and damaging tale for our democracy. The blood of these fallen citizens has been pointlessly sacrificed on the altar of a faulty democratic process. Their families are left in mournful state while some Nigerians are eager to celebrate victory based on the results of this profoundly flawed electoral process. But then is it really time to rejoice? What is there to celebrate for those whose victory has come at the expense of another person’s life? Our democracy may be a growing one but there is no doubt that it has been inundated with many tragedies…no thanks to desperate politicians who pursue power without regard for the sacredness of human life.

The electoral process needs some purging
Besides the death of a number of persons due to election-related violence, the incidences of irregularities and hoodlums destroying, threatening and marginalising some accredited voters – seen in videos shared on the internet – means that things cannot continually be left or done as usual. The lapses in the electoral process have always been there. However, inadequacies in addressing these issues have given some undignified individuals the leeway to explore the lacuna therefore manipulating the people’s mandate. A fair assessment of the whole situation will reveal that our electoral system appeared to have taken us many steps backward when we weigh in on all the abnormalities that have thus far bereft the 2019 elections – the bar has not been raised one bit. The latest statement should not be seen as a diversion [from the main discourse] as it yet pinpoints the ills of a statutory body that ought to hold democracy together. It is on these premises that I conclude that there is a need for the process to undergo some purging, and this must start with a critical review of the electoral act.

Any way out?
While lamenting about the state of things some days back, a friend posited that technology – probably through the use of electronic voting system – should be aptly employed in the electoral process. For instance, having people vote from the comfort of their homes could be helpful in ensuring that they are placed in harm’s way while trying to choose their leaders. This sounds good but the question is: can this be well-managed even considering the fact that the use of simple device as the card reader has not been without complications? Plus, we cannot pretend not to know that a considerable number of the electorate may have issues with such technological innovations. Notwithstanding, I must submit that technology may still hold the key towards ensuring better and safer terrain for voters in subsequent elections. Hence, it is incumbent on the regulatory body to go back to the drawing board, brainstorm and map out plans in that direction.

However, while the electoral body may do its bit in averting needless deaths during elections, it is unforgivable to forget that the onus of protecting lives and properties falls largely on the law enforcement agency. Based on number of election-related violence that arose in and around different polling stations, it is obvious that there was lack of strategic security plan. Events were left to chance, and at the end, the lives of certain persons were endangered and/or obliterated.

Finally, to those whose hands are soaked with the blood of the innocent all in the name of gaining power: one who sows the seed of violence shall definitely reap a whirlwind of turbulence even if the judicial system [of this mundane world] turns a blind eye.