POOR ELECTORAL PROCESS: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTORAL FRAUD IN NIGERIA ELECTORAL SYSTEM

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the study

The issue of electoral fraud in Nigeria demonstrates that it varies among countries and is governed by distinct national laws that create, define, and penalise the actions that qualify as electoral fraud, as well as the corresponding infractions and consequences. Nigeria's voting process has been marred by flaws and a history of electoral fraud, which has had detrimental effects on its people. These negative implications are on par with the damaging consequences of coups and corruption, all of which have hindered the country's growth. This is due to the fact that not only were electoral crimes left unpunished, but those who benefited from such frauds were also backed by government institutions to establish new administrations and gain seats in national, state, and municipal parliaments after the elections. When individuals' mandates are undermined and election fraud goes unpunished, it may diminish voters' trust in a democracy, government, and institutions that promote democratic participation. According to Gbemudu and Ajabor (2019), elections serve the purpose of allowing people to choose trustworthy leaders and also provide the chance to replace an unpopular administration. She further argues that elections provide a means of assessing the viability and public support of their programmes. Yu (2015) said that it facilitates the consolidation of people' preferences, since it enables the selection of trustworthy office holders and encourages politicians to prioritise the interests of the electorate. Nevertheless, the manner in which elections are carried out in Nigeria and the significance they have do not meet the standards anticipated by the general populace in the community. The prevalence of electoral fraud in the conduct of elections is attributed to several factors, including vote buying, intimidation, repeated voting, inadequate voter education, ballot box theft, violence, and poor institutional frameworks. The aforementioned scenario pertains to unlawful actions carried out by government officials responsible for overseeing elections, political parties, individuals, or groups of persons, with the explicit intention of manipulating the election results in favour of a certain candidate (Yusuf and Zaheruddin, 2016). Nevertheless, the electoral process in Nigeria is impeded by numerous instances of electoral fraud, which undermine fundamental principles of good governance, such as the active involvement of citizens in decision-making, adherence to the rule of law (even by the current government), fairness, accountability, responsiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency. According to Gbemudu and Ajabor (2019), good governance is characterised by a society in which leaders and followers follow proper procedures, adhere to the rule of law, and behave responsibly and responsively to achieve established goals, whether in societal governance or corporate governance. Baidoo, Dankwa, and Eshun (2018) define good governance as the effective management of socio-economic growth in a harmonious and conflict-free environment. The above statement suggests that free and transparent elections can lead to the emergence of leaders who are responsible to the public, encourage citizen participation in governance, uphold the rule of law to ensure fair treatment for everyone, and give a voice to minority groups in decision-making. Gallego and Wantchekon (2017) argue that effective governance involves using power and authority to positively impact human situations, hence enhancing the quality of human existence and transforming the physical environment. Nevertheless, despite Nigeria's democratic system of government, which theoretically guarantees a government based on the rule of law rather than personal discretion, it is disheartening to observe that instances of dictatorship, autocratic behaviour, misappropriation of resources, political office abuse, corruption, limited press freedom, and intimidation persist in our society. These issues are direct consequences of electoral fraud. Therefore, the study examine poor electoral process: an assessment of the challenges associated with electoral fraud in Nigeria electoral system.

1. 1. Statement of the problem

The occurrence of electoral frauds in Nigeria's fourth republic has detrimental effects on the country's democracy. It undermines the credibility of the administration as it lacks a foundation in democratic consent. Once again, this raises doubts about the significance of elections compared to other methods of obtaining political authority. Electoral fraud impedes the electorate's ability to oust an unpopular administration and establish a popular one (Orizu, 2018). This challenge will lead to the disregard of the voters as well as a lack of transparency and instances of fraud, which undermine the competitive nature of elections. This is because the election result is decided by methods other than the votes. It is sufficient to state that the election outcomes are predetermined before the actual election takes place. In such a scenario, it is evident that the ability to navigate is uneven, with some candidates enjoying more advantages than others (Orizu, 2018). Political indifference among the voters is increasing due to a prevailing belief that votes no longer have an impact on election results. Deriving from the above, the study examined the poor electoral process: an assessment of the challenges associated with electoral fraud in Nigeria electoral system.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to examine poor electoral process: an assessment of the challenges associated with electoral fraud in Nigeria electoral system. The specific objectives is as follows

1. Examine the causes of poor electoral process in Nigeria

2. Find out the challenges associated with electoral fraud in Nigeria electoral system

3. Recommend the strategies to improve the poor electoral process and electoral system in Nigeria.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

1. What are the causes of poor electoral process in Nigeria?

2. What are the challenges associated with electoral fraud in Nigeria electoral system?

3. What are the strategies to improve the poor electoral process and electoral system in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the study

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on poor electoral process: an assessment of the challenges associated with electoral fraud in Nigeria electoral system. Hence, the study will examine the causes of poor electoral process in Nigeria, find out the challenges associated with electoral fraud in Nigeria electoral system and recommend the strategies to improve the poor electoral process and electoral system in Nigeria. Therefore, the study is delimited to Imo State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Democracy: a system of government in which laws, policies, leadership, and major undertakings of a state or other polity are directly or indirectly decided by the “people.

Electoral fraud:  This is an illegal interference with the process of an election.