Transforming election management through information and communication technology: The Nigerian experience

Abstract

This study examines the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) deployment on election administration in Nigeria. The objectives are to assess the efficacy of ICT tools in promoting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections and to understand how evolving technologies influence specific electoral activities. The methodology involved quantitative data analysis from 11,994 voters and qualitative key informant interviews (KII) with sixteen election stakeholders. Results indicate that ICT use significantly enhances election administration efficiency, fairness, participation, transparency, public trust, and voter well-informedness. Also, the evolution of new technologies influences voter accreditation and vote result validation, especially in the 2019 and 2023 general elections. However, the study also reveals that other factors contribute to the observed parameters. While ICT adoption has improved various aspects of the electoral process, continuous efforts are needed to address challenges and complement technology with other strategies. The findings underscore the potential of ICT to advance democratic consolidation in Nigeria, provided that holistic approaches are adopted.