Beyond Traditional Ballots: Can DAOs and Blockchain Technology Transform Nigerian Elections? | by Oyekanmi Win Oluwayomi

As know-how continues to reshape our world, the affect of know-how turns into imminent as it may be used as a way to reshape processes, enhance productiveness, and enhance the worth proposition of enterprises, and Governmental our bodies to their clients and residents. Integrating Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and blockchain know-how presents a revolutionary path ahead for Nigerian elections.

My journey into blockchain know-how started with a deep curiosity about how rising applied sciences may revolutionize conventional methods. As a Enterprise Analyst with a eager curiosity in innovation, I used to be notably drawn to the idea of Blockchain, with its immutable ledger and decentralized nature, presenting a compelling case for utility in numerous sectors, together with finance, provide chain, and, crucially, governance.

As I delved deeper into the blockchain world, I encountered the idea of DAOs. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) function on blockchain know-how, enabling members to take part in governance via a clear and safe platform. This idea resonated with me as a possible resolution to the challenges confronted by conventional voting methods.

Let’s deep dive into the transformative potential of DAOs and blockchain know-how, analyzing how they’ll basically improve the voting system in Nigeria

Understanding DAOs

A DAO is a company represented by guidelines encoded as a pc program (Sensible Contract) that’s clear, and managed by group members. DAOs are designed to be automated and decentralized, making certain that decision-making processes are democratic safe, and clear. Members of a DAO maintain governance tokens that enable them to vote on proposals and modifications to the platform. Votes are recorded on the blockchain and executed mechanically primarily based on predefined guidelines, making it a really democratic establishment.

The Present Voting System in Nigeria

Nigeria’s present voting system depends closely on bodily voter registration and the issuance of voter playing cards. Whereas this technique has been the norm, it’s fraught with challenges reminiscent of voter fraud, logistical points, Administration issues, and restricted accessibility for some residents. The introduction of a DAO-based voting system may deal with these recognized challenges by offering a safer, clear, and inclusive platform.

The Proposed Future State: DAO for Electoral Voting

Integration with the Voters Card: Residents can hyperlink their Voters card to a digital platform that registers them on the DAO. This ensures that solely verified people (people with a voter’s card) can take part, sustaining the integrity of the voting course of.
Issuance of Governance Tokens: Upon registration, residents obtain governance tokens, which act as their voting energy. These tokens might be saved in digital wallets, secured via blockchain know-how.
Voting Course of: Throughout elections, residents can use their governance tokens to vote on the DAO platform. Votes are recorded on the blockchain, making certain transparency and immutability. The decentralized nature of DAOs prevents tampering and ensures that the voting course of is honest and correct, as all voting data are saved ‘on-chain’ — which is only a fancy approach of claiming they’re saved on the blockchain

Benefits of a DAO-based Voting System:

DAO voting system presents a wide range of benefits that improve particular points of our voting system recognized beneath:

Safety: Blockchain know-how gives a excessive degree of safety, lowering the chance of fraud and tampering.
Transparency: Each vote is recorded on a public ledger, which might be audited by anybody.
Accessibility: Residents can vote from anyplace, making the method extra accessible to these in distant areas or with mobility points.
Effectivity: The digital nature of DAOs can streamline the voting course of, lowering the necessity for intensive bodily infrastructure.

Challenges and Issues

There are a number of challenges we face right here because the know-how continues to be comparatively new

Digital Literacy and Adoption: A good portion of the inhabitants is probably not conversant in blockchain know-how and digital wallets. Training and consciousness packages will probably be important.
Infrastructure: Dependable web entry and digital units are needed for the profitable implementation of a DAO-based system. Funding in digital infrastructure will probably be essential.
Regulatory Framework: Authorized and regulatory frameworks have to be established to manipulate the operation of the DAO and guarantee compliance with nationwide legal guidelines.

Conclusion

The implementation of a DAO-based voting system in Nigeria presents a revolutionary alternative to reinforce the electoral course of. By leveraging blockchain know-how and integrating the voter’s card for verification, Nigeria can guarantee a safer, clear, and inclusive voting system. Whereas there are challenges to beat, the potential advantages make it a compelling proposition for the way forward for democratic governance in Nigeria.