Why BVAS Works In Ghana But Struggles In Nigeria: 7 Key Lessons

Why BVAS Faces Challenges in Nigeria Compared to Ghana: Key Lessons for Credible Elections

The inability of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver credible elections has raised concerns, particularly when compared to Ghana’s success with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Despite advancements in election technology, including the introduction of BVAS, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges, as evidenced by the public outcry following the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s smooth presidential election processes—marked by transparency and integrity—underscore the stark differences in electoral outcomes between the two nations.

Below are seven critical reasons BVAS thrives in Ghana but faces significant obstacles in Nigeria.

1. Integrity of Electoral Leadership

Ghana: Electoral officials in Ghana prioritize transparency and fairness. The leadership ensures that elections are credible, fostering public trust. For example, the leadership of Madam Jean Mensa has upheld the country’s election credibility.

Nigeria: The human factor undermines Nigeria’s BVAS operations. Accusations of bias, corruption, and complicity plague INEC, eroding public confidence in the system.

2. Non-Partisan Appointments

Ghana: Electoral officers in Ghana are appointed based on merit and neutrality, reducing political interference.

Nigeria: Conversely, political affiliations often influence appointments in Nigeria. Some INEC officials have ties to political elites, creating opportunities for intentional sabotage of BVAS.

3. Accountability and Penalties

Ghana: Electoral malpractice attracts severe penalties in Ghana, deterring unethical behavior. Special courts ensure that justice is swift.

Nigeria: Accountability is weak in Nigeria. Electoral malpractices often go unpunished, emboldening those who undermine the system. This lack of consequences fuels distrust in the process.

4. Retention of Proven Leaders

Ghana: Continuity in leadership ensures institutional memory. Leaders like Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan transformed Ghana’s electoral system through decades of credible service.

Nigeria: Proven leaders in Nigeria are often replaced or sidelined, disrupting institutional growth. This lack of continuity hampers electoral integrity.

5. Technical Training and Implementation

Ghana: Well-trained staff ensure smooth BVAS implementation. Rigorous training equips electoral officials to address technical challenges.

Nigeria: Training for electoral staff is often inadequate, with allegations of deliberate sabotage during critical moments, such as server failures during elections. This undermines BVAS functionality.

6. Political Will and Stakeholder Commitment

Ghana: Political actors in Ghana demonstrate genuine commitment to free and fair elections, ensuring BVAS operates effectively.

Nigeria: Political interference in Nigeria undermines BVAS. Stakeholders often manipulate the system to achieve favorable outcomes, further eroding public trust.

7. Adherence to Constitutional Provisions

Ghana: Leaders respect constitutional guidelines in appointing electoral officials, ensuring credibility.

Nigeria: In Nigeria, constitutional provisions for appointments are often ignored, leading to partisan selections that compromise the integrity of elections.

Declining Voter Turnout in Nigeria

Voter turnout in Nigeria has been steadily declining, from 69.1% in 2003 to just 26.7% in 2023. This trend reflects growing apathy fueled by distrust in INEC, logistical challenges, and fears of election-day violence.

Recommendations for Nigeria

To ensure BVAS functions effectively in future elections, Nigeria must adopt the following measures:

Integrity-Driven Leadership: INEC must be led by individuals with unquestionable integrity.
Non-Partisan Appointments: Electoral officials should be selected based on merit, not political affiliations.
Accountability Mechanisms: Strict penalties for electoral malpractice must be enforced.
Comprehensive Training: Electoral staff should receive thorough and equitable training.
Political Will: Stakeholders must demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparent elections.

Conclusion

Ghana’s success with BVAS highlights the importance of integrity, accountability, and commitment in electoral processes. For Nigeria to restore public trust, significant reforms must address the human factors undermining BVAS. The 2027 elections will be a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to credible and transparent elections.