Credible Elections Research Articles

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Election Postponements: Trends, Socio-Economic Effects and the Future of Nigeria’s Electoral Process

Election postponement has gradually crept into the political lexicon and is fast becoming a tradition in Nigeria’s electoral process that has sequentially marred the conduct of elections in the country as evident in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections among others. This has raised serious concerns as to the integrity of the electoral process and the preparedness of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country. The essence of this paper was to assess the trends and socio-economic effects of election postponements and its impacts on Nigeria’s electoral process. The paper is historical and descriptive in nature and utilized relevant data obtained wholly from documentary sources which were analysed within the context of structural functional theory. From the analysis, it was gleaned that the electoral umpire has not learned from its previous sloppy preparations and mistakes, despite significant condemnation from Nigerians across political divides. Moreover, the paper established that security challenges, logistics inadequacies and court verdicts contributed to the postponement of elections, which resulted in severe socio-economic losses for the voting public, electoral commission, political parties, security agencies, election observers, and media outlets. Accordingly, the paper recommended, among others, that the government and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process should work to ensure that adequate pre-emptive measures are put in place in advance of future elections. Again, the Electoral Act 2022 should be amended to provide for electronic registration and voting, to accommodate Nigerians in diaspora.

The Nexus between Electoral Management System and Post-Election Violence in Kenya Since 1963

The study investigates the relationship between Kenya's electoral management system and post-election violence, which has persisted despite numerous reforms since the country's independence in 1963. The primary aim was to identify structural issues within the electoral administration that contribute to violence following elections. The research analyzed key components of the electoral management system and the causes of post-election violence. Utilizing consociationalism theory, voting theory, and rational choice theory, the study employed a historical design with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The research was conducted from July to December 2022. The target population included eligible voters (260), politicians (50), IEBC officials (40), political analysts (60), humanitarian-aid organizations representatives (10), local election observers (5), international election observers (5), security personnel (10), and county administrative staff (10). A stratified random sampling method was employed to collect data using both questionnaires and interviews. The targeted population established the strata of 641,396, and a random sample was taken from each stratum, arriving at a sample size of 450 respondents. The findings revealed that Kenya's electoral system is primarily based on the First Past the Post (FPTP) model, which is a plurality/majority system. The study identified several key factors contributing to post-election violence, including the "winner-takes-all" nature of elections, disputes over election results due to perceived bias in the electoral management body, and voter incitement by politicians. A statistically significant correlation was established between the electoral management system and post-election violence (β=.685, t = 16.225, Sig. =.000). The findings indicated that the self-interest and impunity of political leaders, along with ethnic divisions and mistrust, hinder the IEBC's ability to conduct fair and credible elections. A significant association was also found between the causes and consequences of post-election violence (β=.757, t = 19.088, Sig. =.000). The study recommends exploring alternative electoral systems, such as proportional representation and mixed-member models, to promote inclusivity and fair representation. By establishing a connection between the electoral management system and post-election violence, this research contributes to peace and conflict studies, addressing a relatively understudied area in Kenya and the broader region.

The Prevention of Electoral Violence: A Panacea for Achieving Credible Election in Nigeria

The Prevention of Electoral Violence: A Panacea for Achieving Credible Election in Nigeria

FakeWatch : a framework for detecting fake news to ensure credible elections

FakeWatch : a framework for detecting fake news to ensure credible elections

Vote Trading and Elections in Nigeria: Democracy as an Article of Trade?

This paper is underscored by the commodification and trading of votes in Nigeria which poses a threat to credible elections, democracy, and good governance. Domestic and global studies including election observers have established that there has always been widespread exchange of votes for money in Nigeria. In this regard, this paper looks at the issue of voting commodification in the country with a view to highlighting its attendant implications for present and future elections, democracy, and governance. Using descriptive and content analysis with data gathered through secondary sources the paper sought to answer the following questions: What is behind the narrative of vote trading in Nigeria? Why do politicians buy votes? Why do people sell votes? Is vote trading conditioned by individual beliefs or social norm? What are the consequences of vote trading on governance? What are the possible solutions to the problem? The paper argues that candidates and political parties engage in material gratification and vote trading during elections and that vote trading is propelled by independent, individual decision and mainly driven by material circumstances. It further contends that the more politicians engage in vote buying and gratification the more unstable the electoral process becomes as that prevents credible candidates from running for political office as they may not have the humongous amount required to contest in election. The study concludes that material vote selling and buying, and gratification pose negative tendencies for Nigerian political system, democracy, and good governance if not properly handled. The paper recommends among others taking political financing seriously with the electoral umpire- Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) more proactive in fighting vote trading and the electorates through political education be encouraged to avoid all kinds of inducements from political parties and candidates.

Assessment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 1999 and 2001 protocols in the resolution of the Gambian post-election crisis

This study sought to appraise two Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocols; the Protocol on Conflict Prevention (1999) and the Democracy and Good Governance Protocol (2001), and how they address the political security challenge in Gambian. In resolving the Gambian crisis, ECOWAS adopted some of its already established protocols such as the ECOWAS Mechanism on Conflict Management, Resolution, Security, and Peacekeeping and the ECOWAS Protocol on Good Governance and Democracy. The study relied on the documentary method. So, data were collected from secondary sources by reviewing various newspapers, journals, textbooks, and online sources. The findings of the study reveal that ECOWAS was very successful in its Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in West Africa especially the use of the Protocol on Conflict Prevention (1999) and the Democracy and Good Governance Protocol (2001) as these helped to address the Political Security challenge in the Gambia. Consequently, this study concludes and recommends that other sub-regional bodies should emulate ECOWAS in adopting their conflict resolution mechanisms within their sub-region. Finally, the paper recommends that ECOWAS should ensure that democratic governance through free, fair, and credible elections, the rule of law, and respect for human rights are fully respected and implemented in her sub-region.

Political Apathy in 2023 General Elections in Nigeria: A Case Study of Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examined political apathy and 2023 general elections in Nigeria using Enugu state as a case study.The study raised two specific questions which were: What are the various factors responsible for political apathy in the 2023 general election in Enugu state? How has government interference contributed to political apathy during the 2023 general elections in Enugu State? The study was anchored on the class analysis theory. Using ex-post facto design the study adopted thematic content analysis to examine political apathy and 2023 general elections in Enugu. The study therefore, concluded that there are various factors responsible for political apathy in the 2023 general election in Enugu state and government interference contributed to political apathy during the 2023 general elections in Enugu State. The researcher recommended that state governments should ensure to leave up to the promises of good governance made to the people. All factors that lead to political apathy must be checkmated. Enforceable legislations against election rigging, violence, thuggery, godfatherism and the like should be put into practice. Good governance will ensure, justice, fairness, equity and inclusion for all. All federal government agencies charged with voter education like National Orientation Agency (NOA), INEC, and Ministry of Information should sustain political education at all levels of the society. Political apathy is not the solution to electoral problems rather it endangers the electoral system more. Popular participation in elections will help reduce the influence of godfathers during elections thus creating room for the emergence of credible leaders through a credible election process. Keywords: Apathy; Political Apathy, Elections; Electoral Fraud and Violence

Godfatherism and Nigeria's 2023 General Elections: The Case of Delta State

This paper focuses on the issue of godfatherism and its impact on the 2023 general elections, with a particular emphasis on Delta State, Nigeria. It raises questions about certain facets of Nigeria's democratic governance that have not been adequately examined, raising questions about the nation's unique problems. The February 2023 general elections in Nigeria were not without flaws as usual, and many issues militating against the consolidation of democratic rule in Delta state since 1999 are ubiquitous. The study considers the role of the godfather in facilitating or stunting democratic growth in Nigeria in general and Delta State in particular. Usurping the place of the masses through their manipulative tendencies of selecting candidates instead of free, fair, and credible elections or the abuse of the rule of law are common in the polity. The historical method of description and analysis was adopted, underpinned by Marx Weber's theory of power, to interpret the work further. The study interrogated both primary and secondary sources related to it. Primary sources, such as oral interviews and newspapers, and secondary sources, such as books, news magazines, and online publications, were consulted. The study revealed that godfathers are gatekeepers in the polity, and their functions are overbearing to the masses. The study also identified that because the masses are not allowed to vote or their votes no longer count, Godfathers select leaders who are not representative of the people and are not accountable to them. The findings further indicate that forcing the godfather out of politics may be dangerous, considering their power and position in the government. It, therefore, concludes making laws that will accommodate them might be a better alternative. Keywords: Godfatherism, Impact, 2023 elections, Delta State, Nigeria.

Beyond the ballot: Understanding voters’ perception on electoral reforms and mass media influence in Nigeria

Elections are critical aspects of functional democracy and their perceived credibility ultimately affects the extent of public participation in political processes. As an underlying psychological process, perception influences how individuals arrange, interpret, and derive meanings from the information they encounter. This study examines electorates’ perceptions of electoral reforms as a prerequisite for credible elections in Nigeria and the perceived roles of the mass media in this regard. The study adopts the survey research method to sample the views of 384 registered voters in the 2023 Nigerian general elections using the multistage sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using the descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation. Findings show that the respondents are very much aware of previous efforts aimed at electoral reforms in Nigeria, and they perceive such reforms as prerequisites for credible elections because they sanitise election-related activities and ensure that election results reflect electorates’ desires. Similarly, the respondents also perceive the mass media as key players in electoral reform efforts because they arouse citizens’ political consciousness on the need for electoral reforms by creating awareness of the defects in existing electoral processes and educating the masses on the need for adequate political involvement. The study recommends, among others, that Nigeria should sustain genuine electoral reforms until the ideal electoral system evolves, and Nigerians should continue to participate in all electoral processes as politics is too important to be left to politicians alone.

Impact of Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) on Election Integrity in Nasarawa State

The election umpire sought to improve election integrity in Nigeria with the introduction of the bimodal voters' accreditation system replaced the earlier Card Reader, which was only intended to identify and recommend voters on election day. BVAS was designed as a game changer since it could identify, authenticate, and validate prospective voters to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the country. However, the outcome of elections nationwide and the pending litigations on election fraud and integrity are contemporary discourses among scholars and citizens. Therefore, this study examines the impact of the bimodal voters’ accreditation system on election integrity in Nasarawa State, Nigeria with a specific focus on the 2023 general election. This study adopted a descriptive research design, primary data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire and interview guide to elicit information from the respondents. The study utilised technology theory as the theoretical framework for the study. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select a sample size of ninety (90) respondents for questionnaire administration. The findings of the study revealed that the bimodal voters' accreditation system has eradicated overvoting/double voting, increased public participation in the electoral process, enhanced the public level of trust and confidence in the electoral process and improved electoral transparency and integrity in the study area. The study concluded that though the bimodal accreditation system has helped improve the electoral system, however, there is a need to improve its effectiveness to prevent loopholes. The study recommends among others, the need for the autonomy of electoral umpires to prevent political meddling.

Institutional Quality and Economic Misery in Nigeria

This paper makes an improvement to the traditional institutional quality-growth hypothesis originally documented in the North’s framework by investigating the implications of the quality of formal institutions on economic misery in Nigeria. The specific measures of institutional quality include economic freedom, liberal democracy, and the corruption perception index, while economic misery is measured using Hanke’s modified misery index. The datasets obtained from the World Bank, Heritage Foundation, Freedom House, Transparency International, and Carto Institute were analysed using descriptive statistics and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, which was informed by the evidence of a fractionally integrated series. The findings showed that economic freedom significantly reduced economic misery in the short run. At the same time, evidence of a significant negative effect of liberal democracy on the misery index was established in both the short and long run. This suggests that deepening the democratic process has the potential to mitigate the economic misery faced by Nigerians through increased employment, a decrease in inflationary pressures and interest rates, as well as robust per capita growth. In addition, it was found that the corruption perception index contributed positively to the misery index. This indicates that the pervasive and systemic nature of corruption traps many Nigerians in miserable economic conditions. Owing to the findings, this paper recommends, among others, that policymakers should strengthen the democratic process and promote economic freedom by prioritising credible elections, entrenching the rule of law, and protecting property rights to mitigate the economic distress faced by Nigerians

Institutionalization of Ḥisbah: A Means to Achieve Peaceful and Credible Elections in Nigeriaa

The important pillar of the so-called democracy, which is an election, has been violent and marked by problems ranging from rigging, vote buying, illegal printing of voters’ cards, illegal possession of ballot boxes, stuffing of ballot boxes, underage voting, and falsification of election results to manipulation of results in Nigeria. Thus, the Nigerian experience with elections since independence has been quite challenging despite that conduct of elections is the only acceptable means through which the citizens of a democratic country can choose their representatives. This paper therefore appraises one of the important institutions introduced by Islam to cater to the promotion of good and prohibition of evil (ḥisbah) in society with a view to underline the importance of its institutionalization to stem the menace of electoral malpractices in Nigeria. The reason is that the institution of ḥisbah was successfully deployed during the classical periods of Islam to arrest cases of cheating in the marketplaces as well as the public dispositions. The study employs a qualitative research methodology based on literature review. Data collected from a variety of books, periodicals, and other sources, were then subjected to analysis. The findings of the study reveal that the electoral malpractices that characterized the past elections will be overcome and credible elections will be achieved if ḥisbah is institutionalized in the country. It concludes that the advocacy for its introduction in Nigeria is not an attempt to Islamize the country but a yearning call for the injection of an efficient institution that can change the narrative of electoral fraud in Nigeria as it was practiced in the Northern part of the country before its colonization.

Role of African Union (AU) Observers on Credible Election Management in Africa: The Nigeria Experience

Role of African Union (AU) Observers on Credible Election Management in Africa: The Nigeria Experience

IMPERATIVES OF AI TO THE CONDUCT OF A FREE, FAIR, AND CREDIBLE ELECTION IN AFRICA

The conduct of free, fair, and credible elections is the global benchmark for maintaining the integrity and legitimacy of electoral processes; however, this continues to be a significant challenge in Africa due to factors such as political instability, a lack of resources, and historical legacies of authoritarian rule. Although some African nations have deployed technologies such as the Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS) to assist minimize these issues, the challenges appear to be ubiquitous, prompting a need for the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to dramatically influence the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Africa by improving different facets of the electoral process. AI technology can help with voter registration, education, election monitoring, fraud detection, and result tabulation. Election management authorities and stakeholders may increase electoral transparency, efficiency, and accountability by utilizing AI technologies and algorithms. Using a mix-method approach, this paper examines how AI technologies can help to improve various aspects of the electoral process, such as voter registration and education, monitoring, fraud detection, and result tabulation, and concludes that AI has the potential to revolutionize election administration in Africa by increasing transparency, efficiency, and credibility. The use of artificial intelligence in guaranteeing free, fair, and trustworthy elections is critical to the continent's democratic process. Addressing election difficulties front on, African countries will strive to develop more democratic and accountable government institutions that represent their citizens' wishes.

SMART TECHNOLOGY AS A VERITABLE TOOL FOR CREDIBLE ELECTION: A STUDY OF NIGERIA

Election is a key component of democracy. Since Nigeria gained its independence in 1960, the conduct of election in the political history of Nigeria has been marred by fraudulent practices, corruption and violence. In spite of series of electoral reforms, the country has not succeeded in reducing incidences of voter intimidation, ballot box snatching and stuffing, multiple voting, falsifications of results and other associated electoral malpractices. In fact, the country failed to conceive and implement free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process. Admittedly, part of the efforts made towards the conduct of 2015 general elections is the introduction and use of Smart Card Reader (SCR) in the quest to ensure free, fair and credible election. Building on the gains of Smart Card Reader in the 2015 elections, INEC introduced an advance level of smart technology in elections conducted outside the election circle in the year 2021 known as Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). It is against this background therefore; the paper investigated the impact of smart technology in the electoral process. The study adopted quantitative research method as data were gathered through primary sources. David Easton’s system theory was deployed for analysis. The study found amongst others that the introduction of smart technologies – Smart Card Reader and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System have reduced incidence of electoral fraud, and enhanced free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. The study recommends adequate facility, including legal framework for full adoption and operation of smart technology across all the facet of electoral process including voting in Nigeria.

Security and preservation of election data in Nigeria in the fourth industrial revolution

A fraud-free and credible election is a necessary ingredient to the growth of democracy. Election malpractices and violence, from 1959 till date, have offered major challenges to the Nigerian political system. To achieve a sustainable democracy in Nigeria, it is important to build public trust by ensuring the security and preservation of electoral data. The world has gradually moved into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), an era where artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things, robotics, blockchain, cloud computing and 3-D printing technologies dictate the pace of activities in all walks of life. This paper suggests specific 4IR technologies solutions to electoral data security and preservation challenges. It also suggests that the Nigerian Government announce policies to serve as catalysts for the Independent National Electoral Commission and stakeholders to harness these developments to ensure that electoral processes benefit from these technologies.

Obidient Movement and Political Change in Nigeria: The Journey So Far.

The failure of successive governments to bring about inclusive governance through credible elections has always been the bane of youth restiveness in most part of the country. This accounted for the reasons why all and sundry especially the youths have taken the bull by the horn in an attempt to change the status quo in the political landscape of Nigeria. This paper focuses on the emergence of the Obidient Movement to mobilize support for the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections and how it has altered the political trajectory in the Country. The paper relied on secondary data sources and adopted the Resource Mobilization Theory as a framework of analysis. This study found out that the emergence of Mr. Peter Obi reawakened the political interest of majority of Nigerians, especially the millennial, lead to massive mobilization of support from Nigerians at home and abroad, and that the Peter Obi effect lead to the political fortunes of many candidates that contested in the general elections on the platform of the Labour Party. Importantly, this study discovered that a mass movement with little history behind its existence could alter the political trajectory of the Country as result of the general disenchantment by the citizens towards the present crop of leaders. It was recommended amongst other things that the Obidient Movement should sustain the tempo of its activities across the country even after the general elections to keep the elected office holders on their toes, establish strong presence in every part of Nigeria to ensure a holistic restructuring of the Country leading to the emergence of new crop of leaders committed to the provision of the dividends of good governance.

Political Conflict and Electoral Violence in Nigeria: Implications on National Security

The Electoral contest in many developing democracies in Africa including, Nigeria, are faced with the challenges of conducting free, fair, credible and violence-free elections. Political violence has become a stain on our democracy. The paper therefore assessed the impact of electoral violence on national security in Nigeria. The paper adopted the descriptive analytical approach. The data collected were classified, analyzed and organized chronologically in a manner that ensured effective interrogation and presentation of the interests driving the debate on the subject matter to ensure adequate comprehension. The frustration aggression theory was used to explain the cause of electoral violence in Nigeria. The study found out that Political violence is now a stain in our democracy that is now seen as a political structure and strategy for employment during election and the use of weapons during election have an after effect on the national security. Consequently, some policy recommendations were made. The political umpire has to take conscious and strategic actions against political violence, due to the fact that action and inaction of the government plays a major role in either stopping or continuing the menace. Appropriate security network and intelligence should be organized to monitor electoral activities to mitigate incidences of violence. The Independent National Electoral Commission should conduct transparent and credible elections while the political parties and candidates should ensure strict compliance with electoral regulations

Imperative to Deepening Democratic Culture for Good Governance and Credible Election in the Aftermath of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

Imperative to Deepening Democratic Culture for Good Governance and Credible Election in the Aftermath of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

Using Blockchain Technology to Curb Voter Fraud in Nigeria

Blockchain is gradually changing the way in which data is stored, accessed and processed. Could this help Nigeria to achieve free, fair and credible elections? This study discusses how blockchain technology could be used in that country’s electoral processes – specifically, how it could prevent electoral fraud by providing a secure and transparent way of storing and accessing voting data. It reviews existing literature on the subject, and analyses current and potential applications of blockchain technology in ensuring electoral integrity. The study does not focus on the computational aspects of blockchain, but on its potential to curb electoral fraud in Nigeria. It also discusses the potential benefits and challenges of implementing blockchain technology in electoral systems in Nigeria, examines the various policy considerations and potential solutions, provides actionable recommendations, and suggests areas where blockchain could be effectively integrated into Nigeria’s current electoral system.