By Ekereobong Sunday Stephen
The practice of demanding voter’s cards/voter’s identification number as a prerequisite for accessing government benefits and services in Akwa Ibom state poses a significant threat to the very foundations of democracy.
By linking voter’s registration to essential benefits, governments of the day risk undermining the fundamental principles of free, fair and transparent elections, potentially leading to voter suppression, manipulation and erosion of trust in the electoral process.
As the renowned political analyst JUAN LINZ once noted, “Democracy is a fragile system that requires constant vigilance and protection.” In this context, it is imperative that we examine the perils of linking voter registration to government benefits in Akwa Ibom State and the potential consequences for democracy.
Democracy relies on the ability of citizens to participate in free, fair and transparent elections, where every vote counts equally. However, when voter registration is tied to government benefits, it creates an uneven playing field.
Citizens may feel pressured to register or support specific parties to access essential services, compromising their right to vote freely. This practice can lead to voter suppression, where citizens who refuse to register or support certain parties are denied benefits, further marginalizing vulnerable groups.
As NOAM CHOMSKY aptly puts it, “The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow lively debate within that spectrum.” In this case, linking voter registration to benefits limits the spectrum of acceptable opinion, stifling democratic participation in the state.
Moreover, this practice can be exploited to influence voting patterns, compromising the fairness of future elections ( particularly 2027) and potentially altering the course of political history.
The consequences of such manipulation can be far-reaching, with the potential to undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions and erode trust in the electoral process. When governments link voter registration to benefits, it can lead to widespread disillusionment and apathy among citizens, who may perceive the system as unfair or manipulated. This can have long-lasting effects on the health of democracy, as citizens become disconnected from the political process.
To prevent these perils, I call on the governments of Akwa Ibom State to ensure that access to benefits and services is not tied to voter registration/ Voter’s identification Number. INEC must also take steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, protecting citizens’ rights to free and fair elections. As LARRY DIAMOND notes, “Democracy is not just about elections; it’s about the protection of individual rights and the promotion of accountability.”
Transparency, accountabilityy and a commitment to democratic principles are essential to maintaining the trust of citizens and ensuring that democracy continues to thrive. By prioritizing the integrity of the electoral process, governments can protect the fundamental principles of democracy and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard.
Linking voter registration to government benefits poses a significant threat to democracy. It is crucial that governments and electoral commissions take steps to protect the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that citizens can participate in free and fair elections without fear of manipulation or coercion. Only by prioritizing democratic principles and protecting citizens’ rights can we ensure that democracy continues to thrive and that citizens’ voices are heard.
Ekereobong Sunday Stephen
Dir. Media and Publicity
ADC Media Frontier, AKS
