BY EBEN ENASCO
As the 2024 elections approach in Edo State, citizens are wondering if they will be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote without fear of intimidation, manipulation, or coercion.
Some believe that the election will be won through “Federal Might”, but when the will of the people is ignored, it’s no longer a democratic victory.
The right to vote is a civic responsibility, and it’s essential to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise this right without hindrance and that their vote counts.
Nigeria has witnessed cases of electoral malpractice, including voter suppression, vote buying, and violence.
In most cases, the majority is not the people but a few politicians seeking to hold office.
They control the voters, the election flow, and the electoral umpire.
Despite efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to introduce reforms and enhance the electoral process, concerns about electoral malpractice persist.
Some political parties and candidates may attempt to manipulate the process through vote buying, propaganda, and violence.
In Edo State, there are concerns about political godfathers, vote-buying, and security threats.
Citizens worry that their votes may not count or that they may face reprisals for voting for the “wrong” candidate.
However, there are reasons to be optimistic about the Edo 2024 election.
To ensure that every citizen can cast their vote freely, it’s essential to: Educate voters about their rights and responsibilities,
Encourage peaceful and issue
-based campaigning, support INEC’s efforts to improve the electoral process, report any cases of electoral malpractice when and where necessary
The importance of free and fair elections cannot be overstated.
It’s the cornerstone of democracy, allowing citizens to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
Therefore, political parties must unite to reject the use of federal might and other anti-democratic precedents to secure the people’s votes.
