The feasibility of election management automation in Nigeria: Challenges and the way forward.
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Date
2023-08-20
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Social Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
Abstract
This study investigated the feasibility of election management automation in Nigeria, focusing on
challenges and potential solutions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through
online questionnaires from 11,994 voters and key informant interviews with sixteen election stakeholders.
Findings revealed significant challenges hindering the deployment of Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) in election management in the country, including political interference, operational and
technical issues, infrastructure inadequacies, and cybersecurity threats. Despite these challenges, the
study identified key strategies to enhance the integration of ICT in Nigeria's electoral processes. These
include strengthening institutional frameworks to mitigate political interference, improving technical
capacity through comprehensive training programs, addressing infrastructure gaps through public-private-partnerships, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard electoral systems.
The study underscored the importance of fostering public trust and confidence in ICT-based electoral
processes through transparent communication and stakeholder engagement. Ultimately, by embracing
innovation and collaborative governance, Nigeria could leverage ICT to enhance electoral integrity,
uphold democratic principles, and ensure the credibility of future elections.
Description
The paper examined the feasibility of election management automation in Nigeria, focusing on
challenges and potential solutions.
Keywords
Election, Election Management Body (EMB), Information and Communications Technology, Voting
Citation
Hassan, A. O. & Ishola, A. A. (2023). The feasibility of election management automation in Nigeria: Challenges and the way forward. Sokoto Journal of the Social Sciences, 13(2), published by Faculty of Social Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. https://www.sjssudus.com/index.php/archieve/archive