On Saturday, the 4th of September 2021, Kaduna State conducted its local government elections through electronic voting machines. This is the second time, since 2018, that the state will conduct elections electronically.
YVote Naija commends the Kaduna State government for setting the pace for electronic voting in Nigeria. As of 2018, the state was the first state in Nigeria to conduct an election using an electronic voting system. This feat made Nigeria become the second country in Africa to do it, after Namibia.
At YVote Naija, electronic voting is at the core of our advocacy. Nigeria is long overdue for it, and its implementation will significantly increase voter turnout. The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) will eliminate issues around vote counting, collation and computation. In addition, it will make the system transparent and credible.
We also commend the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) for its effort in ensuring that the process is seamless, credible and transparent.
We encourage other states in the federation to initiate the use of EVM ahead of the 2023 elections. However, the Federal Government must also ensure that the electoral act in review accommodates the full implementation of electronic voting.
YVote Naija remains relentless in our commitment to increasing voter participation in elections. We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders as we push for reforms that will improve the electoral process.
Abideen Olasupo
Convener, Yvote Naija.
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