Introduction to WSRN Connect: Reconnecting for Peaceful Elections

A Project by SoMuchWorldTech in Collaboration with WILPF Nigeria

Presented by: Nnamdi Nwigwe
Date: 5/28/2024

1. Introduction

Elections in Nigeria are both crucial and complex. Despite being the backbone of democracy, the electoral process is often accompanied by misinformation, tension, and violence. In an age where over 200 million voices are amplified through digital platforms—many of them unverified—it becomes increasingly difficult to find reliable, peaceful pathways through election seasons.

Recognizing this challenge, SoMuchWorldTech, in collaboration with WILPF Nigeria (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), is proud to reintroduce WSRN Connect—a tech-driven yet people-centered platform aimed at promoting peaceful and transparent elections in Nigeria.

2. The Problem: An Information Crisis During Elections

Nigerian elections are riddled with uncertainties and distrust. Citizens are often bombarded with conflicting reports, viral misinformation, and unverified media content, especially during election periods. Social media and messaging platforms become breeding grounds for rumors, heightening national tension and sometimes inciting violence. Meanwhile, citizens are left with one simple wish—to cast their votes and return home safely.

The absence of a unified, real-time, and trustworthy communication channel has created a vacuum that urgently needs filling.

3. Introducing WSRN Connect: The Peaceful Election Platform

WSRN Connect was born out of the need to bridge this gap. Initially developed during the last election cycle, the platform empowered ordinary Nigerians to report events, access verified updates, and promote peace during critical times.

Now, with enhanced features and expanded support from WILPF Nigeria, WSRN Connect is set to relaunch as a smarter, more inclusive, and scalable solution for the upcoming election season.

WSRN Connect is more than just a technological tool—it is a community platform driven by trust, civic responsibility, and the shared goal of a peaceful Nigeria.

4. Platform Features: Empowering Citizens with Purposeful Connectivity

WSRN Connect offers a robust set of features designed to promote accuracy, transparency, and peace:

• 🗳 Live Election Updates: Crowd-sourced reports from polling units nationwide, providing real-time insights from on-the-ground citizens.
• 🕊 Peace Alerts & Hotlines: Users can quickly report disturbances, violence, or suspicious activity to relevant peacekeeping observers and NGOs.
• 📡 Geo-Based Feeds: Customizable regional views ensure users see updates that matter most to their locality.
• 💬 Social Media Tools: Interactive features including likes, comments, shares, and the ability to follow users or regions of interest.
• 📸 Media Uploads: Photo and video sharing with built-in moderation tools to ensure visual evidence supports text-based reports.
• 🔐 Verified User System: Key contributors, including election monitors, civil society groups, and community leaders, receive verification status to boost information credibility.

5. Beyond Elections: A Platform for Civic Engagement and Unity

While elections are a primary focus, WSRN Connect is built to last beyond a single season. It is envisioned as a dynamic civic platform that will support:

• Advocacy and awareness campaigns
• Grassroots youth engagement
• Localized news sharing
• Civic education initiatives
• Community organizing and empowerment

In essence, WSRN Connect will evolve into a digital civic space where Nigerians can stay informed, stay engaged, and stay united.

6. Conclusion: Reconnecting for a Better Nigeria

WSRN Connect is not just a tech solution—it is a call to action. While technology can’t single-handedly solve the problems plaguing Nigerian elections, people equipped with the right technology can.

As we prepare for future elections, now is the time to build trust, amplify truth, and reconnect communities. By investing in platforms like WSRN Connect, we move closer to the peaceful, transparent, and empowered Nigeria we all hope for.

Thank you.

Nnamdi Nwigwe
SoMuchWorldTech | In partnership with WILPF Nigeria