- Nigerian diaspora in the UK energetically participates in the 2024 election
- The election process is reportedly orderly and peaceful
- Nigerians share their voting experience
The conduct of elections provides a measure of assessing a nation's democratic well-being and societal stability, and Nigerians in the UK have a lot to talk about when comparing the practice where they live and the country they hail from.
Nigerians in the UK participate in 2024 election
The Nigerian diaspora in the UK is energetically participating in the ongoing parliamentary elections, displaying substantial voter engagement and turnout.
Strong multiculturalism is evident in both countries. The UK is composed of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while Nigeria is marked by its major ethnic groups such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.
Their views on the UK election
However, the UK is observed to maintain an electoral system characterized by adherence to established rules and transparency, while Nigeria contends with periodic outbreaks of violence and disputes that pose threats to peaceful elections.
The 2024 United Kingdom general election, which took place on July 4th, was characterized as very orderly, concise, and peaceful according to Nigerians residing in the UK. Unlike the situation in Nigeria, there were no visible security personnel stationed at ballot boxes."
Nigerians in the UK stood in orderly lines at polling stations in cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, eager to participate in the electoral process.
There are no closures at borders or shutdowns of businesses. Football stadiums and public places are not abruptly transformed into large rallies. British communities remain peaceful and serene.
Nigerians in the UK expressed their views, suggesting that their native country should strive for improvements in its electoral methods.
Nigerians share their voting experience in the UK
“Nigeria has a lot to learn when it comes to democratic practices. I hope with the influx of Nigerians into the UK, we would learn something as regards elections and improve on our electoral process. Nigerians can’t vote in their own country,” Alanzazani tweeted.
“It was a boring 5 minutes of voting 😆😆😆 I have never seen a peaceful election like today,” Obinna Ugwu added.
“We are used to shots in the air. We are use the snatching and grabbing,” Charliep compared.
“Seamless voting,” Oladayo Martins commented.
“That was quick. No trace of GRAB IT, STEAL IT AND RUN WITH IT at all 🟢🎉,” Chijioke shared.
“Vote dey go peacefully in this country without any forms of discrimination or violence. Make e reach my country turn now dem go turn am to war.... Sets of miserable people. Nobody discriminates against you that you are not a citizen or you are a black you can't vote or vote for,” Sir Ashley of Ondo expressed.
“My wife & I arrived at d polling station and we were expecting to see other voters loitering around the polling station but we met only the 2 electoral officers. We were done in less than 5 minutes. I finally voted in a sane atmosphere. I hope my country gets to this level soon,” Adeiza tweeted.
“Voting is so easy and peaceful. You can literally be in another country and appoint someone to vote for you here by proxy. You can be in your house, vote and get it delivered by postal vote. You can stroll by the polling station and in 2 minutes you're done. Omoooo!,” BK explained.
“Voted under 1min. All they did was confirm that ID I presented was among the ones approved as Proof of Identity, then they handed me my polling paper after confirming my name on the voters register. No police, army, dss, just normal civilians. No queue or curfew. A lot to learn,” SilentMasta tweeted.
71,459 Nigerians became Canadian citizens in 19 years
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigeria is the only African country on the top 10 list of new Canadian citizens by country of birth in the last 19 years.
According to the report, netizens are disappointed that despite the ‘social media noise’ about the japa crisis, Nigeria occupied the 10th spot on the list.