In a perfect world, on a specified date in January 2011, 76.5 million Nigerians would line up in orderly fashion to cast their vote, for the next man/woman to lead Nigeria to a new beginning.

Unfortunately in this world, massive disorder ensues with the catastrophic maneuvering of the “ongoing” voter registration process, and the failure to provide a proper timeline for the 2011 elections.

With the removal of Prof. Maurice Iwu, hope was elevated among Nigerians for the possibility of free and fair elections. The lagging progression towards a competent registration however, has begun to ruffle activist feathers, deflating aspirations to create a universal participation of Nigerian citizens in the upcoming elections.

Without a proper process put in place, the elections are at risk cutting out a significant number of voters that could swing the vote, and create a new dynamic in Nigerian politics.

The disorganization witnessed serves to reiterate the need for a new chairman of INEC to be put in place.

A true dedication to ensuring free and fair elections will go beyond the appointment of a new leader. The process must entail the integration of a simplified registration process, with the information and materials needed provided indiscriminately to the masses.

Read here for one man’s excruciating journey to successfully register, and understand the importance of turning up the pressure on INEC to provide a more sensible way to administer registration.