Dr. Ikponmwosa Ebomoyi

Abstract

A credible election is a legitimate process that enhances the confidence of both the voters and the candidates as well as rekindles the prospect of consolidating democratic processes and institutions. In Nigeria, the electoral processes and the conduct of elections since the return of democracy in 1999 have been fraught with spiraling misconduct and malpractices in their electioneering procedures and processes. They have further been worsened with each round of elections not better than the previous. This paper examined the patterns and dynamics of electoral misconduct and their implications on the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. It utilizes the secondary sources of data and employed the liberal democratic theory to posit the thrust of its idea. It’s of the finding that the upsurge of electoral misconducts and malpractices are the result with the introduction of technology into its electoral processes. It never the less concluded that for an election to be free, fair and credible, citizens must have the right and the opportunity to either elect or choose their leaders within the political atmosphere of freedom in all aspect of human endeavors without intimidation. It is of the recommendation that the government as well as the stakeholders and the civil society organizations should not just observe elections but also get actively involved in monitoring elections, to ensure that electoral rules are adhered to and respected. Critical steps must be taken by the government to combat the danger of Cynicism.

   

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Published: 2024

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