Nigeria faces serious election-related issues including fraud and distrust towards systems. Blockchain may become a solution to these problems by ensuring election transparency and security.
Current Election Issues in Nigeria
The situation regarding elections in Nigeria is concerning. The country, which returned to democracy in 1999, continues to struggle with issues such as vote buying and duplicate registrations. In the 2023 elections, these problems became more pronounced, with voter turnout dropping to 26.7% of registered voters.
The Potential of Blockchain for the Election Process
Blockchain, as a decentralized ledger, offers solutions to enhance transparency and security in elections. Features such as data immutability and the use of smart contracts can protect against manipulation and increase trust in the process. Expert Olayinka Omoniyi notes that blockchain can serve as a "supermarket ledger" accessible to all election participants.
Challenges and Prospects of Technology Implementation
Despite blockchain's potential, its implementation in Nigeria may face challenges. Political will and the level of digital literacy among the population have proven to be key obstacles. However, considering international experience and readiness for change, blockchain may reshape the evolution of elections in the country.
The use of blockchain could mark an important step towards improving Nigeria's electoral system and inspire other African countries to adopt innovative technologies to enhance transparency and trust in democratic processes.
