Research conducted by researchers Idogo and Ogolo from Near East University has shed light on the potential of semantic search portals in electoral processes, particularly within the framework of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This study aims to explore the advantages and consequences of implementing a semantic search portal tailored to the electoral landscape of Nigeria.
The core of this research revolves around harnessing semantic web technologies and ontologies to create a semantic search portal that revolutionizes information retrieval in the electoral domain. By structuring electoral data and knowledge in an interconnected manner, the portal ensures accurate and context-aware search results, catering to the needs of various users, including citizens, researchers, and electoral officials.
The roadmap for developing and implementing such a portal in collaboration with INEC Nigeria entails several pivotal steps. These encompass the construction of a comprehensive ontology to encapsulate the intricacies of the electoral sphere, integration of diverse data sources, deployment of natural language processing techniques for query comprehension, and incorporation of machine learning algorithms for search optimization and personalization.
Embracing a semantic search portal holds immense promise for INEC Nigeria, offering a plethora of benefits. Improved accessibility to electoral information, streamlined decision-making processes, heightened citizen engagement, and augmented transparency in the electoral system are among the advantages envisaged. Furthermore, the portal’s potential extends to facilitating data-driven insights, predictive analytics, and policy evaluation, thereby empowering stakeholders to make well-informed decisions and bolster democratic practices.
In conclusion, the integration of a semantic search portal within the electoral framework of Nigeria, spearheaded by Near East University researchers, signifies a significant leap forward in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of electoral processes. By leveraging semantic web technologies and ontologies, the portal promises to democratize access to electoral information, foster civic participation, and foster evidence-based decision-making, ultimately fortifying democratic principles in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
More Information:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-42924-8_12
