Uchechukwu Okoroafor, Abuja
In a region where political transitions are often marred by disputes, legal battles, and a reluctance to concede defeat, Liberia’s President George Weah has set a commendable precedent by gracefully conceding the election to opposition leader Joseph Boakai.
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This act of statesmanship does not only marks the end of a presidency clouded by graft allegations, but it also contributes to a smoother transition of power in a once-volatile nation. President Weah’s decision to accept defeat and honour the democratic process is particularly noteworthy when contrasted with the prevailing trend in West African countries, including Nigeria, where electoral outcomes are frequently contested in court rather than conceded graciously.
The reluctance to accept defeat in this region is often attributed to the widespread perception of election rigging.
In West African countries, elections are most often marred by irregularities, manipulation, and allegations of rigging. The lack of confidence in the electoral process makes conceding defeat a challenging proposition for many politicians.
When elections are perceived as neither free nor fair, conceding defeat may be viewed as an endorsement of a flawed system rather than an acknowledgment of a legitimate outcome.
To foster a culture of concession and promote genuine democracy in West Africa, including Nigeria, several crucial steps must be taken to ensure that elections are free, fair, and transparent.
One of the steps includes strengthening electoral institutions. Enhancing the capacity, independence, and transparency of electoral bodies is essential. Electoral commissions must be fortified with the resources and autonomy required to conduct elections impartially and efficiently. There is also the need for voter education. Investing in comprehensive voter education programmes is crucial to ensuring that citizens understand their rights, the electoral process, and the importance of their participation. Informed voters are better equipped to detect and report irregularities, and when irregularities are reported, institutions with the statutory responsibility to address them must act fast and take appropriate action.
Technological innovations should be mandatory and not optional, as happened with the transmission of election results in real time, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) promised but failed to deliver during the 2023 presidential election. Embracing modern technology can enhance the integrity of the electoral process. Implementing secure electronic voting systems, biometric registration, and result transmission can minimize human intervention and reduce the risk of manipulation.
Independent monitoring and observation by local and international organisations are essential in ensuring a transparent election, even though the Nigerian government was unhappy about the report of the European Union Monitoring Group on the 2023 general election. The EU Report was unbiased evidence that the 2023 general election was not transparent at all. Encouraging independent domestic and international observers to monitor elections promotes transparency and holds electoral bodies accountable. Their presence helps build confidence in the fairness of the process.
There is a need for legal reforms to address shortcomings observed during elections. Regular reviews of electoral laws are necessary to close loopholes that could be exploited for manipulation. The legal framework should provide clear guidelines for conducting elections and mechanisms for addressing disputes. Not enough is being said about civic engagement and inclusivity in enhancing the confidence of stakeholders in the electoral process. Fostering a culture of civic engagement encourages citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. Political parties and leaders should prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.
Prompt and transparent election results are key in determining whether those who lost would accept the result and thus find it necessary to concede defeat as Weah did. Delays in announcing election results can fuel suspicions of foul play. Establishing efficient mechanisms for the prompt release of accurate and transparent results is crucial for maintaining public trust.
President George Weah’s gracious concession in Liberia serves as a beacon of hope for the West African region. It underscores the importance of leaders prioritizing the well-being of their nations over personal interests and ego. By addressing the root causes of electoral mistrust and implementing reforms that ensure free and fair elections, West African countries, including Nigeria, can pave the way for a democratic future where losers can graciously congratulate winners, confident in the legitimacy of the electoral process. The time is ripe for the region to embrace these changes and foster a political environment where the will of the people prevails and democracy flourishes.