An Assessment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Management in 2023 General Election of Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the Study
The purpose of this study is to assess the management of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), focusing on the various challenges and successes encountered during the process. Specifically, this study aims to:
- Examine the effectiveness of INEC’s deployment of technology (BVAS and IREV) in the 2023 general elections.
- Investigate the logistical challenges faced by INEC during the 2023 general elections.
- Assess the impact of electoral violence and voter intimidation on the credibility of the 2023 general elections.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
Concept of Elections and Democratic Governance
Elections are fundamental to the establishment and maintenance of democratic governance, serving as the primary means through which citizens exercise their political rights. They provide individuals with the opportunity to select their representatives and voice their preferences regarding governance, thus facilitating public participation in the political process (Ojo, 2007). In a democracy, elections fulfill several essential functions, including legitimizing authority, promoting accountability, and enabling peaceful transitions of power (Nwolise, 2021). Through periodic elections, citizens can evaluate the performance of their leaders and decide whether to retain or replace them based on their actions and policies.
Moreover, elections foster political competition, which is crucial for enhancing the responsiveness of elected officials to the needs and aspirations of their constituents (Albert, 2021). By allowing multiple parties to contest for power, elections encourage diverse viewpoints and policy alternatives, ultimately enriching the democratic discourse (Kapur, 2021). This competition not only helps to hold leaders accountable but also empowers citizens by giving them a stake in governance and decision-making processes (Angerbrandt, 2018).
Furthermore, elections serve as a mechanism for social integration by bringing together diverse groups and interests within society (Omotola & Adebayo, 2023). They can foster national unity and political stability by providing an avenue for expressing grievances and aspirations peacefully. However, the effectiveness of elections in promoting democratic governance depends on the existence of a robust electoral framework, including an impartial electoral commission, a fair electoral process, and the rule of law (Onapajo, 2015). Therefore, understanding the role of elections in democratic governance requires an examination of these interconnected elements that ensure the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study employed a quantitative survey research design to investigate the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly during the 2023 general elections. A quantitative approach was justified as it allows for the collection of numerical data that can be statistically analyzed, enabling the identification of patterns and relationships among variables (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2019). By utilizing structured questionnaires, this design facilitates the gathering of data from a large sample, thereby enhancing the generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, quantitative research provides a robust framework for examining the effectiveness of electoral management strategies and the implications of technological innovations such as the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) on electoral integrity.
Population of the Study
The target population for this study consisted of 1,200 respondents, primarily comprising voters, electoral officials, and stakeholders involved in the electoral process in Nigeria. This population was selected because it encompasses a broad spectrum of perspectives regarding the effectiveness of INEC’s strategies during the 2023 elections. By focusing on individuals directly or indirectly engaged in the electoral process, the research aimed to capture diverse insights that reflect the realities of Nigeria’s electoral landscape. Justifying a larger population allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and successes associated with INEC’s management and its impact on public perception and trust in the electoral system.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
Table shows the distribution of questionnaires, with a total of 120 questionnaires distributed. Out of these, 109 were returned and completed, representing 90.8% of the total. This high response rate is significant, as it indicates strong participation and suggests that the respondents found the questionnaire relevant and accessible. Such a high completion rate enhances the credibility of the study, reducing the potential for non-response bias, which can occur when a significant portion of the sample does not participate.
In contrast, only 11 questionnaires were either not returned or incomplete, making up 9.2% of the total. This small proportion is unlikely to have a substantial effect on the findings, meaning the overall data quality remains robust. With a cumulative return rate of 90.8%, the dataset is sufficient to proceed with statistical analysis. The minimal number of unreturned or uncompleted questionnaires does not detract from the study’s validity. Thus, the high completion rate in Table 4.1 justifies the use of the sample for further analysis, supporting the reliability of the results and their potential applicability to the broader population.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deployment of technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) in enhancing the transparency and credibility of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. Additionally, the study sought to explore the logistical challenges faced by INEC during the elections and to assess the impact of electoral violence and voter intimidation on the overall credibility of the electoral process. This summary encapsulates the primary findings of the study, which reveal a complex interplay between technological advancements, logistical management, and the socio-political landscape surrounding the elections.
A key finding of the research was the widespread positive reception of the technological initiatives implemented by INEC. The data indicated that a significant majority of respondents believed that the BVAS technology played a crucial role in enhancing the transparency of the electoral process. Specifically, 32.1% of participants strongly agreed, and 46.8% agreed that BVAS significantly improved transparency during the elections. This reflects a general consensus among the electorate that technological interventions can serve as vital tools for ensuring accountability in electoral processes.
Suggestions for Further Studies
Future studies should explore the long-term effects of the deployment of technologies like the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) on voter participation and engagement in subsequent elections. Investigating how these technologies have influenced public perception of the electoral process over time could provide valuable insights into the sustainability of technological reforms in enhancing electoral integrity. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the implementation of similar technologies in other countries could highlight best practices and identify challenges specific to different electoral contexts, thereby enriching the discourse on electoral reforms globally.
Moreover, further research should delve into the socio-political factors that contribute to electoral violence and voter intimidation, particularly in Nigeria. Understanding the root causes of these issues can inform targeted interventions aimed at mitigating their impact on future elections. Qualitative studies that gather personal narratives from voters, election officials, and political stakeholders could provide a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play during elections. By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, future research can develop a more comprehensive picture of the electoral landscape, thereby contributing to effective policy formulation and the promotion of democratic governance.
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