The effect of the smart card reader on electoral malpractices in Nigeria

Bachelor Thesis , 2019 , 50 Pages

Politics - Region: Africa

The following questions will guide this study: In what ways did the smart card reader impact the 2016 gubernatorial election in Ondo State? What were the challenges and limitations of the smart card reader? What are the mechanisms that can be put in place to check the challenges that affects smart card readers during elections in Nigeria? Election has been the means of selecting political leaders in developed as well as developing nations across the world. However, the contestation for political offices in Nigeria is often characterized by different challenges which range from controversial primaries (internal democracy); the role of godfathers who select their preferred candidates to do their bidding; electoral violence et cetera. These among other factors were instrumental to the adoption of card readers in the conduct of elections in the country aimed at advancing credible electioneering process.

However, despite the adoption of card readers in the conduct of elections in the country since the fourth republic, electoral process have often been plagued by myriads of challenges like rigging, buying of votes, violence, malfunctioning of the card readers, and poorly trained INEC ad hoc staff. Several scholars have examined the use of card reader and its effects on electoral malpractices in Nigeria especially during the 2015 general elections. However, it was observed that not many literatures have appraised the impact of card reader and its effects on electoral process in the 2016 gubernatorial elections in Ondo State. This is the gap in literature this study has identified and therefore seeks to fill.

Electoral process is no doubt an institutionalized procedure for the choosing of political Office Holders by qualified adults’ members of a society. Hence, electioneering process exists to· provide the electorate the opportunity and right to choose their representative and maintain contact with them. Therefore, for an electoral system to be democratic, it should allow the electorate the leverage to make real and meaningful choice devoid of coercion or intimidation. Nigeria’s political history have been challenged with the gory tales of electoral malpractices; a feat that has negatively affected the nation’s polity.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• ABSTRACT
• INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1 Background to the Study
  • 1.2 Statement of the Problem
  • 1.3 Research Questions
  • 1.4 Objectives of the Study
  • 1.5 Research Hypotheses
  • 1.6 Scope of the Study
  • 1.7 Significance of the Study
  • 1.8 Definition of Terms
  • 1.9 Organization of the Study
• LITERATURE REVIEW
  • 2.0 Introduction
  • 2.1 Conceptual Clarification
  • 2.2 Theoretical Framework
  • 2.3 Gaps Filled in the Literature
• RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
  • 3.1 Sources / Methods of Data Collection
  • 3.2 Study Population
  • 3.3 Sampling Technique and Sample Size
  • 3.4 Data Analysis
  • 3.5 Validity of Research Instrument
  • 3.6 Location of the Study
• DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
  • 4.0 Introduction
  • 4.1 Ways the Smart Card Readers Impacted the 2016 Gubernatorial Elections in Ondo State
  • 4.2 The Challenges and Limitations of Smart Card Readers in the Conduct of the 2016 Gubernatorial Elections in Ondo State
  • 4.3 Mechanisms that can be put in place to check the Challenges Affecting Smart Card Readers during Elections in Nigeria
  • 4.4 Discussions of Findings
• SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
  • 5.0 Summary
  • 5.1 Conclusion
  • 5.2 Recommendations
• BIBLIOGRAPHY
• APPENDIX A

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research project examines the appraisal of card readers and their effects on electoral malpractices in Nigeria. It utilizes the 2016 gubernatorial election in Ondo State as a case study. The project aims to investigate the impact of smart card readers on electoral processes and identify challenges and limitations associated with their implementation. It also explores potential mechanisms for addressing these challenges and ensuring the integrity of future elections.

• The role of smart card readers in mitigating electoral malpractices in Nigeria
• Challenges and limitations faced in the implementation of smart card readers during elections
• Mechanisms for improving the effectiveness and reliability of smart card readers in electoral processes
• The impact of smart card readers on the integrity and credibility of elections
• Recommendations for enhancing the use of smart card readers in future electoral exercises

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introductory chapter sets the context for the study, defining the problem, research questions, objectives, hypotheses, scope, significance, and key terms. It outlines the organization of the research project. Chapter two delves into the literature review, offering conceptual clarification, a theoretical framework, and identifying gaps in existing research. Chapter three focuses on the research methodology, detailing data collection techniques, study population, sampling methods, data analysis, instrument validity, and the location of the study. The data presentation and analysis chapter, chapter four, explores the impact of smart card readers on the 2016 Ondo State gubernatorial elections, analyzing challenges and limitations. It discusses potential mechanisms to mitigate these challenges and offers an in-depth analysis of the findings. Chapter five summarizes the study, draws conclusions, and provides recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of smart card readers in future electoral processes.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This research project focuses on the evaluation of smart card readers and their impact on electoral integrity in Nigeria. Key concepts include electoral malpractices, election administration, biometric authentication, voter verification, electoral reforms, and the 2016 Ondo State gubernatorial election. It examines the role of technology in enhancing electoral processes and the challenges associated with its implementation.

• College: Obafemi Awolowo University
• Author: Olorunfunmibi Tolulope (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 50
• Catalog Number: V507143
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346085528
• ISBN (Book): 9783346085535
• Language: English
• Tags: nigeria