**Fatshimetrie: The underside of democracy in question**
In the current political context, the government election of certain regions can sometimes leave one perplexed as to the sincerity of the democratic process. The recent example of the governorship election that took place last weekend sparked strong reactions regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Indeed, the candidate of the Workers’ Party (PT), Olumide Akpata, strongly criticized the conduct of the election, denouncing the buying of votes by the two main political parties, namely the All Progressive Party (PPT) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
According to Akpata, the September 21, 2024 poll was marred by fraudulent practices such as voter intimidation and falsification of results. He particularly deplored the fact that some supporters of his own party allowed themselves to be bribed in exchange for a few tickets, thereby betraying the ideal for which the Party of Workers is fighting.
The candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADP), Engr. Derek Izedomwen, for his part, commended the conduct of the election and congratulated the winners, but highlighted concerns over alleged vote-buying and irregularities in some areas, particularly in Edo North. He called for peaceful resolution of disputes through legal and constitutional channels, stressing the importance of preserving democratic principles.
There is no denying that such events expose the flaws in the democratic system and call into question the integrity of electoral processes. The practice of vote-buying, a veritable scourge of democracy, deprives citizens of their voice and weakens the legitimacy of elected officials. It is imperative that action be taken to combat this practice and ensure free and fair elections.
Ultimately, this is about more than just electing a governor. It is about preserving the foundations of democracy and ensuring that citizens have the right to freely choose their representatives. As long as practices such as vote buying remain commonplace, the legitimacy of elections and the people’s trust in their leaders will be jeopardized.
It is therefore imperative that each of us, as conscious citizens, remain vigilant and demand fair and transparent electoral processes. Only by upholding these core values can we preserve the integrity of our democracy and build a better future for all.