Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has praised the recent electoral process in South Africa.
News About Nigeria reports that he highlighted its transparency, efficiency, and technological advancement.
In a post on his X page on Saturday, Obi contrasted South Africa’s exemplary democratic process with Nigeria’s flawed 2023 elections.
He added that the differences between the two countries’ electoral processes are lamentable.
He wrote: “The outcome of the recent South African election results remains a shining example of what a transparent and efficient democratic electoral process should look like.
“With about 60% voter turnout, over 90% of polling open on time, allowing diaspora voting, the results and updates were real-time without any form of technical glitches during the election.
“This demonstrated the robustness and transparency of their system. The seamless online dissemination of results further highlights their commitment to democratic principles and technological advancement.
“This is in stark contrast, to the show of shame that the giant of Africa, Nigeria, gave the World in 2023. Nigeria’s 2023, with less than 30% of Voter turnout, over 60% of the polling stations starting late, and no diaspora voting, the elections were plagued by allegations of fraud and widespread irregularities, all forms of glitches, despite an enormous expenditure to the tune of about a billion dollars (direct allocation of =N=313 313 billion and donor agencies support).
“The process has been widely discredited. The differences between the two countries’ electoral processes are both stark and lamentable. South Africa’s Election Results Center, with its state-of-the-art electronic board, showcased results with unparalleled precision and speed.”
Obi claimed that Nigeria’s electoral process is mired in controversy and lack of transparency, saying that it is a painful reminder of the country’s ongoing struggles with democratic governance.
Therefore, he called for urgent, comprehensive electoral reforms and for the establishment of a system that would restore the people’s faith in the country’s democracy.
Obi added, “The time for action is now, and we cannot afford to delay any longer in addressing these critical issues for a new Nigeria is POssible!”
