ICT Hold Key to Succesful 2011 Elections - Stakeholders

The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the capacity building arm of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and its counterpart abroad have called for the use of new media  technology and online voting system to ensure elections in Nigeria.
Mr. Raymond Akwule, president of DBI said that ICT would enable the country to create the use of new media technology and will also enhance the development of the country’s nascent democracy.
He spoke at a conference organized by Georgia Institute of Technology USA in collaboration with Digital Bridge Institute,  Abuja.
Akwule, stated that it has become imperative for the country to explore every ICT means to get it right for the 2011 elections and beyond.
The president of the institute explained that there is no doubt that the new media technology which was used by President Obama’s election to capture the White House would equally be effective here in Nigeria.
He said ICT potentials are huge and numerous in tackling elections process, even during campaigns and suggested that online campaign and voting be use in other to allow Nigerians leaving abroad to participate in the elections.
He said online elections would be the best option for the country especially now that everybody is casting doubt on whether the elections would be free and fare.
The DBI President urges the new INEC boss to present a bill before the National assembly on online registration and voting so as to be prudent in the next elections.