U.S.-NIGERIA RELATIONS
BEYOND VOTING
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
By Sani Mohammed
N
igeria’s 2019 general elections
are the sixth such conducted
since the country’s return to
democracy in 1999. And once again
both the electorate and those elected
must bear in mind that participation in
the electoral processes involves much
more than just voting or standing as a
candidate. According to the United Nations,
Good Governance is measured by the
eight factors of Participation, Rule of
Law, Transparency, Responsiveness,
Consensus Oriented, Equity and
Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and
Efficiency, and Accountability. These
are principles ascribed to by all member
nations.
The ultimate objective of a political
contest should be the building of a
nation where responsible individuals
and institutions focus on supporting
good governance; where parliaments
and the courts check abuses of power
and ensure the equal administration
of justice under the rule of law; and
where civic participation enhances the
peoples’ mandate. •
Participation requires that
all groups, particularly those
most vulnerable, have direct
or representative access to the
systems of government. This
manifests as a strong civil society
and citizens with the freedom of
association and expression.
•
Rule of Law is exemplified by
impartial legal systems that
protect the human rights and civil
liberties of all citizens, particularly
minorities. This is indicated by an
independent judicial branch and a
police force free from corruption.
•
Transparency means that citizens
understand and have access to
the means and manner in which
decisions are made, especially if
they are directly affected by such
decisions. This information must
be provided in an understandable
and accessible format, typically
translated through the media.
There is no perfect election anywhere
in the world. But every country must
strive to minimize the challenges that
inhibit a free, fair, transparent, credible,
and peaceful electoral process which
reflects the will of the people – the
desired goal of democracy.
Commenting on Nigeria’s democratic
processes in a 2013 document, the
UNDP noted that, “If elected officials
do not really feel that they owe their
positions to the electorate, they are
unlikely to regard public service as
the main reason for holding office.”
It followed up by saying “If office-
holders do not believe they will be held
accountable by the electorate for how
they perform, then all the self-serving
practices will be manifested.”
•
Responsiveness simply involves
that institutions respond to their
stakeholders within a reasonable
time frame.
• Consensus Oriented is
demonstrated by an agenda that
seeks to mediate between the many
different needs, perspectives, and
expectations of a diverse citizenry.
Decisions needs to be made in
a manner that reflects a deep
understanding of the historical,
cultural, and social context of the
community.
• Equity and Inclusiveness depends
on ensuring that all the members
of a community feel included and
empowered to improve or maintain
their wellbeing, especially those
individuals and groups that are the
most vulnerable.
• Effectiveness and Efficiency is
developed through the sustainable
use of resources to meet the
needs of a society. Sustainability
refers to both ensuring social
investments carry through and
natural resources are maintained
for future generations.
• Accountability refers to
institutions being ultimately
accountable to the people and one
another. This includes government
agencies, civil society, and the
private sector all being accountable
to one another as well.
All these arguments are anchored on
the need for good governance, the point
being that – as the general elections
cycle have been completed – the hard
work begins for nation building.
CROSSROADS | April/May 2019
9