An Analysis Of The Challenges Of Electoral Process In Nigeria

Ugiomo Eruteya, Ph.D., Reader and Ag. Head of Department, Private and Property Law, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.

Joy Elabor-Oteki, LL.M., College of Law, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

An essential component of a democratic society is the electoral process. Elections are required in every democratic state because they are the only way for the people to freely pick their leaders, which is what distinguishes a nation as a democracy. The electoral process must be open, free and extremely fair to all parties, as well as trustworthy enough to satisfy voters and even foreign election observers. However, since the start of the Fourth Republic, violence and irregularities have marred Nigeria's electoral process. Successive governments have claimed to either tackled or promise to tackle these challenges with the help of electronic devices, information technology, and electoral law reform but the situation has remained the same. In employing the doctrinal research method, this paper appraised the electoral process and systems in Nigeria. It examined the main obstacles to free, fair, and legitimate elections in Nigeria as well as the guiding principles that would make the electoral process go more smoothly. The paper argued that the electoral process in Nigeria since the inception of the Fourth Republic has been marred by electoral malpractice and irregularities despite the various efforts to entrench true democracy in the Nigeria political system. It found that despite the efforts of successive governments in Nigeria to come up with innovative policies in a bid to savaging the electoral system in Nigeria, elections are still characterized by violence, corruption, and rigging. The paper recommended reform to overhaul the electoral system, including prosecution of election offences, establishment of election offences commission, public education of the electoral process and non-partisan security agencies.

Keywords: Election, voting, electoral act, security, thuggery, electoral offences