ASSESSING THE TYPES AND IMPACT OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE IN NIGERIA 1999 TO 2023

ABSTRACT The study assessed types of electoral malpractice from 1999-2023 in Nigeria of which has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s democratic process, affecting the integrity and outcomes of elections since the return to civilian rule in 1999. This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the various types of electoral malpractices in Nigeria between 1999 and 2023, including voter suppression, ballot box snatching, vote buying, electoral violence, and result manipulation. The study examines the root causes of these malpractices, such as political patronage, weak institutions, and socio-economic disparities, and explores their impact on democratic governance, political stability, and public trust in the electoral system. Secondary/qualitative method of data collection was adopted, in which several related literature were reviewed. Review was drawn from academic articles, textbooks, online materials, journals and magazine articles, and the Internet. The ethical theory of Androx Fox (1952) which is otherwise called moral philosophy was use to explaining electoral malpractice as unhelpful to development. . The findings suggest that while these malpractices manifest in various forms, impacting the integrity of elections and the faith of citizens in democratic governance. Broadly, these malpractices can be classified into several categories: vote buying, voter intimidation, and manipulation of voter registers, rigging, ballot box snatching, and the collusion of security forces or electoral officials. The study recommends among others, Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Independence of INEC, Engagement of Civil Society and International Observers, Reduction of Political Violence and Security Reform. Keywords; Malpractices, Electoral Malpractice, Election, Types of Electoral Malpractice, Impact of Electoral Malpractice