Lagos — The 2007 April general elections, which are to ensure the first ever civilian to civilian transition in Nigeria's chequered democratic history, have come and gone.

However, the after-effects are still being tasted in almost every patriotic mouth all over the nation. Nigerians, hopeful of true democracy, turned out splendidly for the first gubernatorial and States Assembly elections on Saturday, April 14.

However, the second round of voting for the President, members of the National Assembly, and in places where the first round did not take place, was another story entirely, as citizens expressed their cynicism at a 'democratic' outcome, based on results from the first ballot.

Patience in Hope

Ever trusting and hopeful, Nigerians both great and small, rich and poor, man and woman, dutifully trooped to the numerous polling stations to elect their preferred candidates.

The joy of participating in an epoch-making event was however soured by the jack-boots of conniving security men and electoral officials, who had a different agenda from the progressive citizens.

And so we have it: ballot stuffing, materials hijacking, deliberate absence and delaying of voting materials, intimidation, subtle and not so subtle violence, disenfranchisement of voters, and over-turning of original results for manufactured ones to suit the powers that be.

Election or Selection

The results of both election rounds have left many Nigerians with a distinct impression that the voting process was all about pre-determined selection rather than election.

Rather than uphold the truth and announce worthy winners, electoral officials through intimidation or financial persuasion threw decorum to the winds and went ahead to announce in several cases unpopular choices.

Dumbfounded citizens were left wondering as to what happened to pre-election promises (not the do-or-die affair) by electoral officers to lay down their lives for a truthful democratic process, and for a smooth transition.

At the risk of sounding pessimistic, this April elections has been described as the worst in the history of Nigeria, even worse than the 2003 general elections. To most people, those they voted for were not the announced winners.

Winner Takes All

How does one explain a situation where a candidate, who scaled through the party primaries by fraudulent means or via 'official endorsement', goes ahead to seek and collect bank loans to finance his or her candidature or elections.

Meanwhile, the same candidate has sold off or mortgaged all his or her properties to finance the same elections; and cannot afford to lose. There is also the traditional issue of winner must take all the spoils, since a major 'benefit' of representation is looting to recoup electoral investment.

One must not also forget a grand design by huge political parties to keep a tight leash on the latent power from won electoral seats, in a bid to pursue selfish ambitions.

Executive Interference

Experts argued that an incumbent administration cannot and should not organise and coordinate general elections, at the risk of partisan interference.

The last elections provided an ideal example of executive lawlessness and interference and Nigerians are yet to feel the negative impact of such momentary though calculated action.

One can only begin to wonder when Nigerians would vote on issues like taxation as in developed countries, rather than who will help provide or ensure the next meal.

How does one explain a scenario where a serving commissioner in one of the south-western states donned the jacket of an INEC official and went about with thugs to snatch ballot boxes and thumbprint stolen ballot papers?

Or a case where the gubernatorial election results in a state are announced in Abuja before the concerned state wholeheartedly adopts the same figures, even when they do not tally with the real results on ground?

Until the executive allow relevant electoral authorities to plan and execute smooth elections in Nigeria, that quest for national growth and development may well remain a mirage.

Foreign Observation

Among the legion of foreign observers who thronged Nigeria to witness the making of democratic history, the Commonwealth of Nations commended the Nigerian people for their remarkable patience and discipline through the entire process.

In a statement issued by the group at the conclusion of the sham exercise, it said, "overall, in organisational terms these elections fell short of the standards Nigeria had achieved in 2003, and certainly well below those to which Nigeria is committed. We have concluded that there were impediments in the ability of voters to express their will fully, freely and fairly".

To the observers who were previously accused of remarkable silence in the face of pre-election violence, "it will take some time for the dust to settle on these elections. Due process and the rule of law must prevail. Violence cannot be the answer. Reconciliation, not recrimination, is the need of the hour".

The Commonwealth said it would continue to be a friend and to stand by Nigeria as it seeks to learn from the experience of the troubled elections of 2007, rectify the shortcomings, and consolidate the democratic ethic. Nigerians are listening.

Shadow Cabinets

Concerned Nigerians have called for shadow governments at all levels, to help checkmate executive or legislative lawlessness, corruption and resultant stagnation.

From the ward levels at the local governments, through states governments and then the almighty federal government, those who feel passionately enough about Nigeria's progress have been urged to form shadow cabinets to help showcase any short-comings on the part of the governments in power.

By forming unofficial parallel governments, the concerned citizens will help to expose those who do not mean well for the nation on one hand, and also help guide those who have good and patriotic intentions at heart, but little experience or know-how. A welcome idea indeed.

Other Ways Forward

There have been deliberations among stakeholders on the need to make all positions. from councillor to president less attractive financially, so as to discourage unpatriotic looters.

Also there have been strident calls for greater focus on issues rather than personalities or political parties; for governments of unity to encourage wider participation; for need to make the regions stronger as in the first Republic to help their growth and development and allow percolation democratic dividends.

There have also been calls for speedy justice at the election tribunals with modifications of the petition conditions, where a petitioner must furnish the court with a list of witnesses even before the hearing begins!

While most Nige-rians are peace loving in nature, the recent electoral debacle has pushed many backs to the wall and helped spread the seeds of discontent and enmity. Concerned citizens must take their stand for progress, while bearing in mind the need for a united country. Time will tell on this.