NIDA Poll finds weak confidence in EC’s ability to punish fraud

A majority of voters who believe election fraud occurred in their constituencies doubt the Election Commission (EC)’s ability to punish the offenders, according to a new survey by National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).

The poll, conducted on February 11 and 12 by the NIDA Poll Center, surveyed 1,310 eligible voters nationwide on their perceptions of election fraud and the performance of the EC.

When asked about possible election fraud in their constituencies during the February 8 general election, 40.08% of respondents said there was definitely no fraud.

Another 23.51% said they were unsure, 19.54% believed that there might have been fraud and 16.87% said there definitely was.

Among respondents who were certain that fraud had occurred or might have occurred (477 people), 58.28% said the EC would not be able to punish anyone involved.

Meanwhile, 28.93% believed that the EC might be able to punish offenders in some cases, 11.32% said the EC would definitely be able to take action and 1.47% did not respond or had no view.

On overall satisfaction with the EC’s management of the election in their constituencies, 38.55% said they were fairly satisfied, followed by 22.29% who were very satisfied.

Meanwhile, 20.84% were not very satisfied, 17.63% were not satisfied at all and 0.69% did not respond.

The findings highlight persistent public skepticism of the EC’s enforcement powers, even as a majority of voters express moderate satisfaction with organisation of the election and referendum.