₦airaland Forum

Nigeria's democratic experiment, envisioned as a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse political voices, faces a critical threat: the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) alarming inertia in registering new political parties. A brief period of openness in 2017, where INEC registered dozens of new parties, has been abruptly reversed. The post-2019 general elections witnessed a drastic reduction in political space, with 74 parties deregistered, leaving only 18 eligible for the 2023 elections. While the Supreme Court's reinstatement of the Youth Party offered a minor reprieve, the overall trend remains deeply concerning.

This stagnation is further highlighted by the unprecedented surge between 2019 and March 2022. A staggering 124 political associations submitted applications for registration in anticipation of the 2023 elections. Inexplicably, INEC failed to process a single application before the crucial electoral period. This inaction, compounded by the additional 78 applications submitted post-2023 election, exposes a systemic failure within INEC and a blatant disregard for the aspirations of countless Nigerians seeking meaningful participation in their democracy.

This stands in complete contrast to the vibrant political landscapes of other democracies. South Africa, with a population of approximately 61 million, boasts over 1,743 registered parties. The United Kingdom, with a population of 68 million, hosts 393 registered parties. Even Ghana, with a population of 34 million, has 29 registered parties. These figures underscore the restrictive nature of Nigeria's political landscape, especially considering its population exceeding 250 million. Further limiting voter choice and participation is the absence of independent candidacy in Nigeria. Citizens are denied the opportunity to directly support individuals who may not align with existing party platforms.

The consequences of this bureaucratic inertia are far-reaching and profoundly detrimental to the health of Nigerian democracy. A limited party system stifles political innovation, perpetuates the dominance of entrenched interests, and ultimately disenfranchises citizens whose views and aspirations are not adequately represented. This exclusionary environment breeds apathy among the electorate, leading to declining voter turnout and a weakening of public trust in the democratic process.

The prolonged delay in processing applications also encourages the emergence of informal and unregulated political activities operating outside legal and ethical frameworks. This can foster corruption, undermine transparency, and exacerbate political instability. INEC's inaction not only violates fundamental rights but also undermines the very foundation of a robust and representative democracy.

Rectifying this situation requires a multi-pronged approach. A thorough review of INEC's internal procedures is necessary to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process. Proactive engagement with political associations is crucial to understand their challenges and address their concerns effectively. Additionally, a critical review of the legal framework governing party registration is essential to ensure it aligns with the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and the fundamental right to political association enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Furthermore, adopting best practices from other democracies, such as streamlined online registration processes and clear, accessible guidelines, can significantly improve efficiency. Investing in capacity building programs for INEC staff to enhance their understanding of democratic principles and best practices in party registration is also crucial.

The continued delay in registering new political parties is not merely an administrative oversight; it constitutes a grave threat to the very essence of Nigerian democracy. A vibrant democracy necessitates a dynamic political landscape where new ideas, perspectives, and voices can emerge to challenge the status quo and hold those in power accountable. INEC, as the guardian of electoral integrity, has a solemn duty to uphold this fundamental principle. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to a further erosion of democratic values and a deepening of the trust deficit between the government and the people. The time for decisive action is now, before the promise of Nigerian democracy is irrevocably diminished.

Tonye Barcanista can be reached at tonyebarcanista@gmail.com
https://www.thecable.ng/nigerias-democracy-held-hostage-by-inecs-delay-in-registering-new-parties/

Presidency , presidency, does a president make a law?

How about channeling the energy on those who can make the changes with the electoral law.

Same obsolete methods yet we are expecting different results

https://www.nairaland.com/6981480/nigerians-chanelled-almost-all-energy

Gbola tulumbu is a calamity and a monumental failure

The criminal come to steal, rig election and impoverish the masses

If you quote me wrongly, na Ogun go kpai you

I dey my house...... come and beat me

TonyeBarcanista on the bit again as election campaign draw closer.

In the end ww will all sit down and watch a certain drugs criminal conniving with another fraud call INEC chairman to hijacked power

Lol

At this stage where there's unity of purpose within the camp of thieves/ruling class, is it not better to have a limited but viable alternative. There is unity in the camp of the oppressor, fragmentation will be of no benefit to the oppressed. We can't continue to build on structures/templates carefully set for us by the same leaders we are trying to get rid of. Na trap dem set. Just wondering.

Claptrap.

TonyeBarcanista:
Nigeria's democratic experiment, envisioned as a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse political voices, faces a critical threat: the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) alarming inertia in registering new political parties. A brief period of openness in 2017, where INEC registered dozens of new parties, has been abruptly reversed. The post-2019 general elections witnessed a drastic reduction in political space, with 74 parties deregistered, leaving only 18 eligible for the 2023 elections. While the Supreme Court's reinstatement of the Youth Party offered a minor reprieve, the overall trend remains deeply concerning.

This stagnation is further highlighted by the unprecedented surge between 2019 and March 2022. A staggering 124 political associations submitted applications for registration in anticipation of the 2023 elections. Inexplicably, INEC failed to process a single application before the crucial electoral period. This inaction, compounded by the additional 78 applications submitted post-2023 election, exposes a systemic failure within INEC and a blatant disregard for the aspirations of countless Nigerians seeking meaningful participation in their democracy.

This stands in complete contrast to the vibrant political landscapes of other democracies. South Africa, with a population of approximately 61 million, boasts over 1,743 registered parties. The United Kingdom, with a population of 68 million, hosts 393 registered parties. Even Ghana, with a population of 34 million, has 29 registered parties. These figures underscore the restrictive nature of Nigeria's political landscape, especially considering its population exceeding 250 million. Further limiting voter choice and participation is the absence of independent candidacy in Nigeria. Citizens are denied the opportunity to directly support individuals who may not align with existing party platforms.

The consequences of this bureaucratic inertia are far-reaching and profoundly detrimental to the health of Nigerian democracy. A limited party system stifles political innovation, perpetuates the dominance of entrenched interests, and ultimately disenfranchises citizens whose views and aspirations are not adequately represented. This exclusionary environment breeds apathy among the electorate, leading to declining voter turnout and a weakening of public trust in the democratic process.

The prolonged delay in processing applications also encourages the emergence of informal and unregulated political activities operating outside legal and ethical frameworks. This can foster corruption, undermine transparency, and exacerbate political instability. INEC's inaction not only violates fundamental rights but also undermines the very foundation of a robust and representative democracy.

Rectifying this situation requires a multi-pronged approach. A thorough review of INEC's internal procedures is necessary to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process. Proactive engagement with political associations is crucial to understand their challenges and address their concerns effectively. Additionally, a critical review of the legal framework governing party registration is essential to ensure it aligns with the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and the fundamental right to political association enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Furthermore, adopting best practices from other democracies, such as streamlined online registration processes and clear, accessible guidelines, can significantly improve efficiency. Investing in capacity building programs for INEC staff to enhance their understanding of democratic principles and best practices in party registration is also crucial.

The continued delay in registering new political parties is not merely an administrative oversight; it constitutes a grave threat to the very essence of Nigerian democracy. A vibrant democracy necessitates a dynamic political landscape where new ideas, perspectives, and voices can emerge to challenge the status quo and hold those in power accountable. INEC, as the guardian of electoral integrity, has a solemn duty to uphold this fundamental principle. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to a further erosion of democratic values and a deepening of the trust deficit between the government and the people. The time for decisive action is now, before the promise of Nigerian democracy is irrevocably diminished.

This one refuses to accept that the mess in his party is responsible for their poor outings in elections and seeks to point the finger at every and anyone except the incompetency, clash of egos, imposition, money politics and lack of harmony in his party.

Until the culture of appointing politicians as Chairman, National Commissioners, RECs of INEC is stopped and the rank and file of INEC allowed to assume these positions just as it is in other key government parastatals like NPF, Customs etc. Elections in Nigeria will never be fair. Politicians will always be loyal to their party.

Democracy is actually in Danger

I thought I told you that we won't stop, I thought I told you that we won't stop.

Eh ehn.

10 years from now ....

All this Nairaland wannabe politicians

With useless baseless opinions up and down.

Literally the most useless set of people

Very useless

Lol

NIGERIANS ARE COWARDS

This is the best time for Nigerians to start protesting - speaking out - calling for the resignation of Yakubu - doing everything necessary to ensure what happened in 2023 does not repeat itself - BUT they are here hoping and praying Tinubu wont do what it is in his nature to do - CHEAT

Well,
Tinubu till 2031.

ogbonti:
NIGERIANS ARE COWARDS

They should protest and burn the place down, abi?

Registration delays only? inec that forges voters results in every single election in the country na him una dey cry for only registration delays?

Be like this op don dey embrace senility small small

Roboto11:
They should protest and burn the place down, abi?

What is wrong with protesting ? which other language do they understand ?

ogbonti:
What is wrong with protesting ? which other language do they understand ?

These guys sha.

Bush babies dem don start to dey cry already
Crying and noise making is their Hobby .
Gone are the days people take it serious, we go beat you join ya cry an noise nowadays ... no time for radarada

Oh My God.....






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helinues:


Presidency , presidency, does a president make a law?

How about channeling the energy on those who can make the changes with the electoral law.

Same obsolete methods yet we are expecting different results

https://www.nairaland.com/6981480/nigerians-chanelled-almost-all-energy

If I ask you to mention just ONE policy that the Bola Tinubu administration has done that has been favorable to Nigerians, you will start your illiterate jargons

We need to demand more from INEC. Electronic transmission is KEY.

Noted.

This los.er and wa.iler has crawled out of his hideout.

You people should prepare for 2027. We are waiting for you all. APC till Jesus comes

MemphitzDgreat1:
If I ask you to mention just ONE policy that the Bola Tinubu administration has done that has been favorable to Nigerians, you will start your illiterate jargons

The opposition is not talking about electoral reforms until close to general election, how stvpid!

INEC itself is a fraud!

🤭

Roboto11:
I thought I told you that we won't stop, I thought I told you that we won't stop.

Eh ehn.

10 years from now ....

You are a real Nigga. You just captured the criminals in Nigerian politics..

With some miscreants defending them