The power of democracy lies in the ability of citizens to freely express their opinions and choose their leaders through fair and transparent elections. However, when the integrity of the electoral process is compromised, it can shatter the faith of people in the system, leaving them feeling powerless and disenfranchised.
This is the situation that many Nigerians seem to have found themselves in today. In this election, there were lots of first-time voters who painstakingly queued up all day to get their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs), partly because they felt well assured of the integrity of this particular electoral process, especially with the introduction of the BVAS and the IReV platform. Millions of voters came out and even waited late into the night to cast and protect their votes. But despite their efforts, it seems as if their trust in the process is gradually fading away, with many feeling that their mandates have been stolen and the election rigged.
This betrayal of trust, if not addressed, will certainly leave many wondering if they can ever be encouraged to participate in elections again. After all, if their voices are not going to be heard, why bother casting their votes in the first place? The hope that people had for change will be replaced with cynicism and disillusionment.
The implications of this loss of faith in the system are far-reaching. It undermines the very foundations of democracy and weakens the legitimacy of the government. When citizens feel that their voices are not being heard, they may turn to other forms of protest, such as demonstrations, strikes, or even violence. This can lead to instability and a breakdown of law and order.
It is therefore essential that the authorities take steps to restore faith in the electoral process. This means doing everything possible to ensure that election is free and fair, and that the results accurately reflect the will of the people. It also means taking steps to thoroughly investigate, identify and punish those who engaged in electoral malpractice.
Loss of faith in the electoral system is a serious issue that requires urgent attention. It is only through a concerted effort by all stakeholders that we can restore trust and ensure that democracy continues to thrive.
Finally, I must also say that it is important for citizens not to lose hope, they must continue to participate in the electoral process, despite the challenges. Doing so is a better way to send a message to the authorities that the citizens are committed to democracy and that they expect nothing less than fair and transparent elections.

Ebere Chuks is a Social Commentator.

Noting like restoring faith if the one we are seeing is not corrected, bet u with 500 vote u go win for ur Lga