Fatshimetrie: Elections without police interference – A new path to democracy?
During the recent local government elections in Rivers State, Nigeria, a remarkable event took place: the absence of the police on the ground, citing a decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This unprecedented situation has raised questions about the role of the police in the electoral process and the possibility of achieving fair and transparent elections without their intervention.
It is common knowledge in Nigeria that politicians often collude with law enforcement and officials of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to falsify election results. The presence of the police during elections is often synonymous with controversy and suspicions of electoral fraud. However, the local government elections held in Rivers State without police intervention have been described as a “remarkable experiment” by many observers.
Veteran politician and community leader Chief Edwin Clark has hailed the peaceful conduct of local government elections in Rivers State without the presence of law enforcement. According to him, the event demonstrates the maturity and patriotism of the Nigerian people, who are capable of managing their electoral affairs independently and responsibly. He noted that this is a significant step forward in the country’s democratic process and called for a reassessment of the role of the police in the forthcoming elections.
On the other hand, Professor Ojo suggested that civil defence forces could be a more effective and less corrupt alternative to traditional police forces. According to him, the involvement of civilians in policing elections could help to enhance the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
This experience of local government elections in Rivers State raises legitimate questions about the role of the police in elections and the feasibility of holding them without their presence. While some have called for a reassessment of the security posture during the upcoming elections, others have highlighted the challenges and risks of doing so, given the sometimes violent and conflictual nature of the political scene in Nigeria.
Ultimately, the manner in which the electoral process is structured and secured is of critical importance to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. The question of the presence or absence of the police during elections must be approached with discernment and taking into account the specific issues of each electoral context.. Nigerian democracy is at a turning point where strategic decisions will need to be made to strengthen citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and promote a culture of transparency and integrity.