Key Points
- Importance of Blockchain Technology: Blockchain remains vital despite the rise of AI.
- Offers decentralised and tamper-proof methods for data recording.
- Decentralised IDs for Voter Registration: Streamlines the voter registration process.
- Eliminates lengthy queues and bureaucratic hurdles.
- Links voter identification to a decentralised ID system for quick and secure access.
- Immutable Voting Records: Votes cast on the blockchain are permanent and transparent.
- Addresses issues of election rigging and ballot manipulation.
- Votes recorded in real-time and cannot be altered, duplicated, or destroyed.
As the world continues to embrace technological advancements, the conversation around integrating blockchain technology into various sectors has gained significant traction.
Aderemi Lanre, the founder and chief visionary officer at Ascendis, on Friday shared insights on how blockchain could revolutionise Nigeria’s electoral process during an interview on Arise TV’s Global Business Report.
Blockchain technology, often overshadowed by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), offers a decentralised and tamper-proof method for recording transactions and data. Despite the spotlight on AI, Lanre emphasised that blockchain remains a vital and evolving technology with substantial applications, particularly in ensuring transparent and secure elections.
Decentralised IDs: A Foundation for Fair Elections
One of the most promising applications of blockchain technology in Nigeria is the implementation of decentralised IDs. Lanre highlighted the potential for blockchain to streamline the voter registration process, eliminating the need for lengthy queues and bureaucratic hurdles.
“By linking voter identification to a decentralised ID system, individuals can quickly and securely access their voting credentials,” Lanre said
“Imagine a scenario where voters no longer need to queue for hours to obtain their voter’s card. Instead, their identification is seamlessly integrated with a decentralised ID, accessible at the polling station. This system would ensure that only eligible voters participate, significantly reducing the risk of fraud and multiple voting,” he noted.
Immutable Voting Records
The core strength of blockchain lies in its immutability. Once a vote is cast and recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be altered, duplicated, or destroyed. Lanre explained that this feature could address the perennial issue of election rigging and ballot manipulation in Nigeria.
Votes recorded on the blockchain would be transparent and verifiable, accessible to all stakeholders, including electoral bodies and the general public.
Integrating blockchain technology would mean that votes are cast securely and recorded in real-time. As Lanre noted, “You thumbprint, and your vote is cast on the blockchain. It is recorded, and it cannot be manipulated, edited, or destroyed. It is a permanent and transparent record.”
Public and Private Blockchains: Tailoring the Solution
Lanre discussed the various types of blockchains – public, private, and consortium – and their potential applications.
For a government body like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adopting a private or consortium blockchain might be the most viable option. This approach allows INEC to maintain control while ensuring transparency and security.
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Building a dedicated blockchain for elections would enable INEC to manage the electoral process more efficiently. However, Lanre also mentioned the possibility of leveraging existing blockchain platforms like Polygon or the Binance Smart Chain, which offer robust security and decentralisation features.
Energy Consumption Concerns
A common concern with blockchain technology is its energy consumption, especially with proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms used by platforms like Bitcoin. However, Lanre pointed out that alternative consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-stake (PoS) and proof-of-history (PoH), consume significantly less energy while maintaining security and efficiency. This makes them suitable for applications like voting systems, where sustainability is a consideration.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Beyond improving the electoral process, the integration of blockchain technology presents significant opportunities for job creation in Nigeria. As blockchain adoption grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals in various roles, from digital marketing and customer support to software development and smart contract writing.
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Lanre’s personal journey into the blockchain space via customer support illustrates the diverse career paths available within this burgeoning industry.
Blockchain: A Promising Candidate for Nigeria’s Electoral Challenges
As Nigeria continues to seek solutions for its electoral challenges, blockchain technology emerges as a promising candidate. The potential for secure, transparent, and efficient elections could transform the democratic process, restoring public trust and ensuring that every vote counts.
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While challenges remain, the conversation sparked by thought leaders like Aderemi Lanre underscores the need for continued exploration and investment in blockchain solutions.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to leverage blockchain technology for a fairer, more transparent electoral process.
As Lanre aptly put it, “We never know what the future holds, but the possibilities are exciting.”
