The role of data capture machine in the outcome of the 2015 elections in Nigeria
Martin Iorgbir Ugbudu · African Renaissance · 2015
Elections in Nigeria are a sham characterized by rigging. On election days, tales of snatched ballot boxes, alteration of figures in favor of candidates are pervasive. This has vitiated the principle of free and fair elections, it also affects the integrity of the electoral umpire. The aftermath has been the stigmatization of Nigeria as a nation incapable of organizing free and fair elections. In reaction to this sordid state of affairs and as part of reforms to enhance the credibility of elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced the permanent Voters and the Biometric Data Capture Verification Machine, the Card Reader to authenticate voters and check the inflation of figures in the 2015 general elections. This essay analyses the nature of elections in Nigeria; the rationale from the introduction of the card reader, its impact on the outcome of the 2015 elections as well as the challenges faced by the introductions of this technological innovation and ways to enhance the success of this experiment.