Underage voting is a significant issue that undermines the credibility of elections and threatens the democratic process. It is a practice where individuals who are not yet eligible to vote are allowed to cast their ballots, either through fraud or errors in the voter registration process.
The Nigerian Constitution clearly states that the minimum age for voting in any election is 18 years old. All registered voters are required to present a valid voter's card and a means of identification before they are allowed to vote. These measures are put in place to ensure that only eligible voters participate in the electoral process and that the integrity of the election is preserved.
However, in recent years, there have been reports of underage voters being allowed to cast their ballots in various parts of the country. This undermines the credibility of the electoral process and calls into question the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections.
To address this issue, there needs to be a concerted effort by all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and free from any form of malpractice. This includes improved voter education to ensure that eligible voters understand their rights and obligations, as well as increased efforts by law enforcement agencies to enforce electoral laws and bring perpetrators of electoral malpractice to justice.
It is also essential for INEC to improve its registration and verification processes to prevent the registration of underage voters and ensure that only eligible voters are allowed to participate in the electoral process. This could involve the use of more advanced biometric technology, as well as closer collaboration with other government agencies to ensure that all registered voters meet the age and eligibility requirements.