Election Related Violence in Nigeria: Perspectives, Policies and Prospects

Abstract

Electoral Related Violence (ERV) is one of the major problems bedevilling the Nigerian democratic system with severe outcomes such as the loss of lives and property, violation of the rule of law, weak democratic governments and poor leadership among others. This study was carried out with the main aim of examining the perspectives, policies and prospects of ERV in Nigeria. The study explored the various dimensions of ERV, the laws that are set up to ensure elections are peaceful and finally, the means of ensuring that ERV is prevented or controlled by the implementation of the relevant laws.The mixed methods research technique was utilized for the gathering of data for this study; both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. A total of 500 randomly selected electoral workers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were employed for the survey, the respondents were issued questionnaires and also interviewed. The perspectives of ERV that emerged from the study include the provision of a viable health policy for electoral workers, use of technology, improved security measures, independence of electoral bodies, threats and kidnapping, education and training of electoral staff, vote buying and public office attraction. The study also showed that there were already some very important laws and acts contained in the electoral act and the constitution that were designed to address various types of electoral malpractice effectively, however, there have been a very poor implementation of the essential laws that are supposed to act as punitive measures for those found guilty of breaching electoral laws as well acting as dissuading factors for those with criminal intent.The Nigerian electoral law dictates that the relevant punitive measures for electoral malpractice include fines, conviction or both. After exploring the perspectives and policies addressing ERV, this study recommends the adoption of modern communication technologies for election monitoring and exchange of information, strengthening of the security apparatus, full implementation of all relevant existing laws and electoral acts capable of reducing ERV by punishment, provision of relevant health and welfare packages for electoral workers. The study further suggests that the transparency of electoral bodies and provision of adequate education for the masses should be effected as some of the approaches that can be adopted as measures for the reduction or total elimination of ERV among other measures.

Keywords: Electoral Related Violence, Perspectives, Policies, Prospects

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/12-1-04

Publication date: January 31^st 2022