Group pushes Tech-Based Hackathon to enhance Voting Process

Brain Builders Development Initiative, a youth-led organization, under it’s YVote Naija project has initiated a Civic Tech Hackathon to identify civic-tech solutions in order to enhance citizen participation in the electoral process in Nigeria.

They’re encouraging Young social innovators to develop interest in technological solutions around electronic voting using cloud computing and block chain technology which to a large extent they believe will eradicate the use of ballot papers.

Recent elections have increasingly revealed the need to explore more civic technological solutions to address Nigeria’s electoral challenges, especially around voter apathy and voter merchandising.

While not all technological solutions can fit into every context, there is always an opportunity to explore solutions that could be further developed and deployed during the national, state, and even Local Government Area elections.

This CivicTech Hackathon, by the Brain Builders youth development initiative is encouraging youths to come up with technological solutions

Its aimnis to bring together young social innovators to develop ideas, build skills and connect with others working towards a shared goal of strengthening the electoral process and civic participation in governance in Nigeria.

The era of new media is characterized by the deployment of modern technology to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, as well as build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Expanding technological opportunities for election, will include joint efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigerian Security agencies, and various categories of voters like Women, Youth, and People with Disability.

Initiatives like these and Others are designed to ensure an enhanced citizen participation in the Electoral process as against what currently obtains.

The Election Management Body, INEC, and Observers have been harping on the importance of an enhanced citizen participation in the Electoral Process.

They say an enhanced participation by the Citizens will help enhance the quality of leaders being elected and improve governance and National Development.