Speaking during a recent public discussion on electoral integrity, Oswago argued that election fraud goes beyond ballot stuffing and involves a combination of political, administrative, and technological tactics that can influence outcomes long before voters cast their ballots.
According to the former electoral official, understanding how elections are conducted is critical in identifying potential weaknesses that may be exploited.
He noted that electoral manipulation can occur through political violence, digital interference, voter suppression, boundary adjustments, and compromised oversight systems.
One of the major concerns raised by Oswago was the increasing reliance on technology during elections. While digital systems are designed to improve transparency and efficiency, he warned that they can also become vulnerable if not properly secured.
One of the major concerns raised by Oswago was the increasing reliance on technology during elections. While digital systems are designed to improve transparency and efficiency, he warned that they can also become vulnerable if not properly secured.
"The more sophisticated an election system becomes, the more important it is to ensure strong safeguards are in place," he said, adding that electronic transmission systems and voter identification technologies require constant monitoring and independent audits.
Oswago also highlighted the importance of an independent electoral commission. According to him, the process of appointing election commissioners plays a significant role in determining public confidence in the electoral process.
He argued that whenever political interests appear to dominate the selection of commissioners, questions about neutrality and credibility inevitably arise.
For that reason, he emphasized the need for transparent and inclusive appointment processes that inspire trust among all political players.
Another issue he raised was political violence and voter intimidation. He explained that creating insecurity in certain regions can discourage voter turnout and ultimately affect election results.
Another issue he raised was political violence and voter intimidation. He explained that creating insecurity in certain regions can discourage voter turnout and ultimately affect election results.
Such tactics, he noted, undermine democracy and deny citizens their constitutional right to participate freely in elections.
The former IEBC boss also questioned the role of some election observers, saying observer reports can sometimes become controversial when organizations are perceived to have political biases.
The former IEBC boss also questioned the role of some election observers, saying observer reports can sometimes become controversial when organizations are perceived to have political biases.
He stressed that election monitoring bodies must maintain strict neutrality if they are to retain public confidence.
Perhaps his most striking remark came when he was asked whether it is easy for a sitting president to lose an election.
His answer was direct.
"It is not easy."
Oswago explained that incumbents enjoy significant advantages, including access to state visibility, established political networks, and the ability to influence national conversations through government programs and policies.
However, he clarified that these advantages do not automatically guarantee victory. Strong institutions, vigilant citizens, independent oversight, and transparent electoral processes can still ensure credible elections regardless of who occupies State House.
His remarks come amid growing political discussions over the credibility of future elections and increasing scrutiny of electoral reforms.
Perhaps his most striking remark came when he was asked whether it is easy for a sitting president to lose an election.
His answer was direct.
"It is not easy."
Oswago explained that incumbents enjoy significant advantages, including access to state visibility, established political networks, and the ability to influence national conversations through government programs and policies.
However, he clarified that these advantages do not automatically guarantee victory. Strong institutions, vigilant citizens, independent oversight, and transparent electoral processes can still ensure credible elections regardless of who occupies State House.
His remarks come amid growing political discussions over the credibility of future elections and increasing scrutiny of electoral reforms.
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