Independent Electoral Commission and Management of Electoral Malpractice: An Evaluation of Nigeria

Stephen Ogbodo

Department of Political Science Faculty of Social Science and Humanities Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Electoral malpractices pose a significant threat to the democratic process in Nigeria, undermining the legitimacy of the government and hindering the development of a functional democratic system. This study critically evaluates the extent to which electoral malpractices, including fraud, violence, and coercion, have affected the growth of democracy in Nigeria during the Fourth Republic (1999-2007). The research explores various factors that contribute to electoral fraud and examines how these malpractices impact the fairness and integrity of elections, the political landscape, and the broader democratic framework in the country. Key findings highlight the role of government institutions, political parties, and the judiciary in either mitigating or exacerbating electoral fraud. Ultimately, the study concludes that electoral malpractices have serious repercussions for the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria, requiring comprehensive reforms to ensure free and fair elections in future.

Keywords: Electoral malpractices, democracy, Nigeria, Fourth Republic, electoral fraud, political parties, governance, legitimacy, electoral violence, sustainable democracy.

CITE AS: Stephen Ogbodo (2024). Independent Electoral Commission and Management of Electoral Malpractice: An Evaluation of Nigeria. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF CURRENT ISSUES IN ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 3(3):125-136.