Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The 2019 presidential election in Nigeria was a significant event marked by allegations of electoral malpractice, including voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, and result manipulation. In an effort to address these challenges, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced card readers as a technology-based solution to enhance the credibility of the electoral process. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice during the 2019 presidential election in Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of election data and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders involved in the electoral process. The quantitative analysis focused on comparing electoral outcomes, such as voter turnout and margin of victory, between polling units where card readers were used and those where they were not. The qualitative interviews provided insights into the experiences and perceptions of election officials, political party representatives, and voters regarding the use of card readers. The findings of the study revealed that the use of card readers was associated with a decrease in reported incidents of multiple voting, underage voting, and other forms of electoral malpractice. Furthermore, polling units where card readers were deployed recorded higher voter turnout rates compared to units where manual verification processes were used. Key stakeholders acknowledged the role of card readers in enhancing the integrity of the electoral process and expressed support for their continued use in future elections. However, the study also identified challenges and limitations associated with the use of card readers, including technical malfunctions, inadequate training of election officials, and attempts to circumvent the technology by political actors. These issues underscore the need for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of the card reader system to ensure its effectiveness in combating electoral malpractice. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that card readers have the potential to contribute to reducing electoral malpractice and enhancing the credibility of elections in Nigeria. To maximize their effectiveness, it is essential for INEC to address the identified challenges and invest in sustained capacity building and oversight mechanisms for the use of card readers in future electoral processes.

Thesis Overview

-INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Election fraud has constituted one of the greatest challenges facing the electoral process in Nigeria. Electoral fraud which involves the manipulation of election and rigging of votes is an illegal interference with the election process as a means to favour a particular party or candidate and sometimes both (Alvarez, Michael; Hall, Thad; Hyde, Susan, 2008). The consequence is always a damaging effect on the democratic institution of the country and loss of voters’ confidence. The Independent Electoral Commission in an effort to eliminate electoral fraud introduced the use of card readers. The card reader is used during the election process to verify the voter’s card before allowing the voter to cast the vote. This is to eliminate impersonation and double voting which in previous elections was a rigging strategy. This process replaces the manual process of paper work which can be easily manipulated and error prone. It was believed that this development will facilitate free and fair election in Nigeria, but recent development involving the non-functionality of many of the card readers in some parts of the country during election processes raise questions as to the credibility and ability of these card readers to achieve the purpose for which they were introduced. This poses another challenge if the Nigerian electoral process is ripe for the application of this technology. The study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in Nigeria with a case study of the 2019 presidential election.

1.2      STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Electoral fraud is the illegal interference with the election process as a means to favour a particular party or candidate and sometimes both through, the rigging of votes and manipulation of election. The consequence is always a damaging effect on the democratic institution of the country and loss of voters’ confidence. Consequently, the real reason for the introduction of card readers in the Nigerian electoral process was to eliminate electoral malpractices but, recent development involving the non-functionality of the card readers in many parts of the country poses a great question as to the credibility and capacity of the device to achieve the intended purpose.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in Nigeria with a case study of the 2019 presidential election. The specific objectives of the study include;

          i.       To determine the nature and functions of card readers.

          ii.       To appraise the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in Nigeria.

        iii.       To determine the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in the 2019 presidential elections.

1.3     RESEARCH QUESTIONS

          i.       What is the nature and functions of card readers?

          ii.       What is the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in Nigeria?

        iii.       What is the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in the 2019 presidential elections?

1.4      Research Hypothesis

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between electoral malpractices and the card reader system in the 2019 presidential elections in Nigeria.

1.5      SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study shall proffer relevant information on the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in Nigeria, with a case study of the 2019 presidential election.

It shall serve useful purpose to policy makers and political analyst.

1.6     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on the appraisal of the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in Nigeria with a case study of the 2019 presidential election.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study was confronted with both logistics and geographical constraints.

1.8  DEFINITION OF TERMS

ELECTORAL FRAUD DEFINED

Electoral fraud which involves the manipulation of election and rigging of votes is an illegal interference with the election process as a means to favour a particular party or candidate and sometimes both.

BALLOT STUFFING DEFINED

The submission of multiple ballots during the process of voting.

MISRECORDING OF VOTES

The recording of elector’s vote differently from their intentions.

VOTE BUYING

This involves the buying of votes from the voters in a coming election.

VOTER INTIMIDATION DEFINED

The influence exacted on a voter or group of voters to vote in a particular direction.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CARD READER IN REDUCING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF 2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION)