Information and Communication Technology and Administration of 2015 General Election in Nigeria

Abstract

The organization and conduct of free, fair and credible elections had been a perennial problem facing Nigeria since her independence. Political instability, electoral malpractices, post-election violence, arson, killing of political opponents and litigations characterized the polity. Information and communication technology was introduced in election administration in Nigeria to curb excessive electoral fraud to the barest minimum and foster credible elections. A survey research design was adopted to elicit information from the electorates on the performance of INEC in administering the 2015 general elections using biometric card reader and the customized permanent voter card, to ascertain whether the technological devices minimized electoral malpractices and enthroned free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. The study also established the challenges INEC faced in administering the elections. The instrument used to glean information from the respondents was questionnaire. Qualitative method of data collection was also used to elicit data from documentary evidence of secondary sources. Quantitative method of analysis was employed. The results of the study revealed that introduction of ICT in administration of 2015 elections in Nigeria minimized electoral fraud; and the result also showed that INEC faced numerous challenges in the elections. The study recommends future use of ICT in election administration in Nigeria to foster systemic stability and political development.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p303