Elections in Nigeria too expensive for INEC, parties, politicians —Prof Olurode

A don, Professor Lai Olurode, has declared that elections in Nigeria is too expensive for all the parties – Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and even candidates.

This was as he suggested ways to reduce the pressure and make every Nigerian active in the electoral process.

Professor Olurode stated this while delivering a paper entitled: “Slaughter’s slab as a metaphor,” at the main auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State.

The professor of Sociology posited that the list of items to budget for in the course of electioneering by all the stakeholders continued to be inexhaustible, adding that this phenomenon had become a clog in the wheel of progress of Nigeria, so as to have a sustainable dividend of democracy.

He, however, suggested three policies that could take the country out of the traditional expensive way of running elections by the electoral umpire and other stakeholders.

Suggesting three policies that would ensure active electoral participation, Professor Olurode said: “firstly, there must be imposition of what I refer to as election cost tax payable by every adult of voting age. Evidence of payment must be required before citizens can access critical social services.  The fund should be administered in such ways to partly subsidise costs of election administration.

“Secondly, enforcement of subscriptions by party members must be in place. Thirdly, there is the need for legislation to promote volunteers’ role in the electoral process, but community assets, such as in the areas of provision of canopies, voter education, transportation and mobilisation should continue to be tapped and documented. A collective ownership of the electoral process by all stakeholders is key to election cost reduction.”

Olurode, in his suggestion of participatory citizenship and judicial activism, advised that “Nigerians generally, and elite in particular, should be more active in the electoral process. Sustained vigilance of citizens in the electoral process is key to the delivery of democratic dividends.  The courts and even INEC should continue to adopt liberal interpretations of laws/regulations guiding electoral process, with a view to prompting active participation of citizens.”

The don further charged INEC to be bold to take its rightful position as the umpire of election in Nigeria, by expressing its determination to curb any act of impunity and ensure the stakeholders respected the rule of law.

Speaking further, he enjoined the body to be bold to cancel any election or electoral process which it felt failed to meet its stipulated standard or compromised along the line without any bias.