Stakeholders call for e-voting, review of Edo election

Stakeholders have called for the introduction of e-voting, automated voter’s cards, and BVAS, in future elections to cut irregularities and voter apathy. The call was made yesterday in Benin, at a media and CSO roundtable discussion on the recently concluded Edo State governorship election, organised by Yiaga Africa.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has been told to end the anarchy being perpetuated in Edo by prosecuting the out-going Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is bent on burning down the state after his party lost election during the last governorship election in the state.

The Centre For Political Orientation and Leadership Training, Prof. Mike Otabor, made this known while delivering a paper in a workshop titled, “Governance for 21st Century African Leaders” in Abuja.

Otabor who is also an Executive Director and Resource Person at the Centre questioned the rationale for African politicians reacting so negatively each time they lose election but will not revert otherwise when they win nor appreciate the voting public.

Referencing the ongoing situation in the state, Otabor condemned Obaseki for sponsoring violent protests in Benin just because his party lost the governorship election.

He went further to reflect on the past when the governor won two previous governorship elections and a recent local government election where results were being announced even when the voting was still ongoing.