The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folashade Ogunshola, said there were valuable lessons Nigeria could learn from the US electoral system.
She cited transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in elections as valuable lessons.
Mr. Ogunshola was represented by the Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Professor Bolanle Oboh, during the 2024 conference on the theme “Democracy in Action: Understanding the US Electoral Process” in Lagos State on Tuesday. This was made clear at a US election event.
The event was hosted by the U.S. Consulate General in collaboration with UNILAG.
Punch Online reported that the US presidential election will be held on November 5, 2024, between vice president and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and former president and Republican Donald Trump.
Mr. Ogunshola said that understanding the U.S. electoral process is critical to promoting democratic engagement and values such as free speech, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights.
“This should serve as a model for all of us who seek to strengthen the practice of democracy here in Nigeria. By observing how these principles are implemented in the United States, we can strengthen our electoral processes.” and gain a deeper understanding of how to foster a culture of active citizenship.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure our voices are heard and contribute to the democratic processes that shape our future,” she said.
She also encouraged students and faculty to be actively involved in promoting democratic engagement on campus. This can be accomplished by participating in student government, participating in debates, and organizing forums that foster discussion about civic responsibility and the democratic process, she said.
Gabriel Babawale, a professor of political economy and international relations in the institution’s political science department, said Nigeria’s political system emulates America’s presidential democracy.
He said Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious country, similar to the United States, which is known as a nation of immigrants.
According to him, the United States’ commitment to the principles of checks and balances in governance and ensuring that no government branch interferes with the functioning of other countries is unique, and Nigeria has relied on the United States for economic growth and growth. He pointed out that it is necessary to imitate part of the country’s electoral system. development.
He stressed the need for early voting and voting by Nigerians in the diaspora.
A Punch editorial on September 26, 2024 supported the need for voting by Nigerians in the diaspora, stating, “It is the fundamental right of our compatriots in the diaspora to vote like any other Nigerian. The group is too large to be kept out of the process of producing national leaders.
“They are too relevant to ignore. According to the World Bank, last year they contributed $20 billion to the economy through remittances to relatives back home; The remittances will help improve foreign exchange liquidity and strengthen the naira.
Michael Irvin, political and economic director at the U.S. Consulate General, said the election was about responsible governance.
“The biggest question that observers of America’s democratic system, particularly American presidential elections, always have is about the electoral system.
“U.S. elections are not instant popularity contests and the spoils go to the winner. A candidate may win the popular vote but not the election. It has happened four times. most recently in 2000 and 2016,” Irvin said, adding that while democracy is the best, it’s not always easy or perfect.
Naan
