Gen. Francis Behanzin, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security , ECOWAS Commission has called for the scrutiny of technology being deployed for elections to ensure citizens of their credibility.
Behanzin made the call while delivering goodwill message at the opening of a three-day International Conference of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in West and Southern African countries, in Abuja.
He said despite the opportunities in the deployment of technology for the conduct of election, there were scepticisms in the use of technology.
“In some other countries the use of technology have introduced fear in the people.
“Our technology in the electoral process should be carefully scrutinised so as to ensure integrity, trust and the reduction in the possibility of electoral contestation.’’
Behanzin said that essence of the conference was to discuss what worked and what had not worked in the deployment of technology for elections in the West and Southern Africa.
“It is to also to chart new course forward in the electoral process with a view to facilitating the acceptance of election result thereby reducing tension after elections results are declared.’’
Behanzin said that the solution to the challenges in the deployment of technology in the electoral process could be found in information sharing and lessons learned.
“That is why the ECOWAS facilitated the formation of ECONEC in 2008 with a view to improving election administration and information sharing within the region.’’
Behanzin expressed confidence that inspiring outcome would be drawn from the international conference.
He also pledged the “untiring support’’ of ECOWAS to improving of electoral process in the region, with the hope to see more initiative in the future
The theme of the conference is “Opportunities and Challenges in the Use of Technology in Election: Lessons from West and Southern Africa.’’
It is being organised by INEC and the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), in collaboration with the Electoral Commissions Forum of the SADC and with technical support from the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES).
