INEC and Voters’ Registration

INEC – Independent Electoral Commision is the Government Agency of the Day. All eyes are on them because rightly or wrongly, we believe that the future of Nigeria and by default Nigerians is tied to the outcome of 2019 General Elections. Adverts are out daily encouraging citizens to register and get their voter’s card and decide who represents them at every level of government when INEC conducts the elections. 

I visited one of the registration centers in Lagos today. There was a cross section of Nigerians hustling to get their PVC.

 “Me I don conclude that matter tey tey o, say I go collect the money and vote for any party wey pay me. Wetin concern me with whether the person fit do the work? Make I just get my card ready.” A guy said to me.  

“We spent over 4hrs at another center yesterday before we were directed here. Eventually I registered. I brought my children today to register.” A mother said. 

People are interested and committed to the process  

The koko: Poor logistics! As at 1pm, there were people that arrived as early as 4am that were yet to be attended to. A person arrived at 6am and he was no 273. However some others just stroll 🚶🏾‍♀️ 🚶 in, pay 2k or so get registered  and leave. Meanwhile the exercise is free! The environment is not conducive one bit and the machines are not functioning optimally. People all over the place and not clear on what to do  

My take: Wouldn’t it be more beneficial if the organizations spending so much on voters sensitization channel maybe 50% of the cost towards providing logistics at the registration centers? Of course they could brand the place to show they are the sponsors. It’s quite disheartening to leave work, business or even the luxury of sitting at home to come out to fulfill your civic responsibilities and be subjected to such discomfort; both for INEC staff and the public. 

I believe we could create an enabling environment for processes to work effectively and efficiently as it enhances the institution’s image. Our staff and customers/clients should not be subjected to unnecessary torture when in the course of the day’s activities. 

We can make our institutions & processes work.