The effectiveness of card reader in reducing electoral malpractice in nigeria (a case study of 2019 presidential election)

Project Abstract

Electoral malpractice has been a long-standing issue in Nigeria, undermining the integrity and credibility of the democratic process. The 2019 presidential election in Nigeria was a crucial moment for the country, with the need to address the challenges of electoral malpractice. This study focuses on examining the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice during the 2019 presidential election in Nigeria. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data was gathered through surveys conducted with voters, election officials, and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process. Qualitative data was obtained through interviews and focus group discussions to gain deeper insights into the experiences and perceptions of the participants. The findings of the study revealed that the introduction of card readers in the 2019 presidential election played a significant role in reducing electoral malpractice. The majority of the participants expressed confidence in the card reader technology, citing its ability to verify voters' identity and prevent multiple voting. Election officials also reported that the use of card readers helped streamline the accreditation process and reduce the incidence of manual verification, which was prone to manipulation. Furthermore, the study identified some challenges and limitations associated with the use of card readers in the electoral process. Issues such as technical glitches, inadequate training of election officials, and attempts to circumvent the system were reported as potential barriers to the effective implementation of the technology. However, despite these challenges, the overall impact of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice was widely acknowledged by the participants. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of leveraging technology such as card readers to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in Nigeria. The findings suggest that the use of card readers can help address some of the key challenges associated with electoral malpractice, ultimately contributing to a more credible and fair electoral system. Recommendations are made for improving the implementation of card readers in future elections to further strengthen the electoral process and uphold democratic principles in Nigeria.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>-INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 &nbsp; &nbsp; </strong><strong>BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>1.2 &nbsp; &nbsp; </strong><strong>&nbsp;STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>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;</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; i. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To determine the nature and functions of card readers.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ii. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To appraise the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in Nigeria.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; iii. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To determine the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in the 2019 presidential elections.</p><p><strong>1.3 &nbsp; &nbsp; </strong><strong>RESEARCH QUESTIONS</strong></p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; i. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; What is the nature and functions of card readers?</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ii. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; What is the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in Nigeria?</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; iii. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; What is the effectiveness of card readers in reducing electoral malpractice in the 2019 presidential elections?</p><p><strong>1.4 &nbsp; &nbsp; </strong><strong>&nbsp;Research Hypothesis</strong></p><p><strong>Ho1: </strong>There is no significant relationship between electoral malpractices and the card reader system in the 2019 presidential elections in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>1.5 &nbsp; &nbsp; </strong><strong>&nbsp;SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>It shall serve useful purpose to policy makers and political analyst.</p><p><strong>1.6 &nbsp; &nbsp; </strong><strong>SCOPE OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>1.7</strong>&nbsp;<strong>LIMITATION OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>The study was confronted with both logistics and geographical constraints.</p><p><strong>1.8 &nbsp;</strong><strong>DEFINITION OF TERMS</strong></p><p>ELECTORAL FRAUD DEFINED</p><p>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.</p><p>BALLOT STUFFING DEFINED</p><p>The submission of multiple ballots during the process of voting.</p><h5>MISRECORDING OF VOTES</h5><p>The recording of elector’s vote differently from their intentions.</p><p>VOTE BUYING</p><p>This involves the buying of votes from the voters in a coming election.</p><p>VOTER INTIMIDATION DEFINED</p><p>The influence exacted on a voter or group of voters to vote in a particular direction.</p> <br><p></p>