ELECTORAL ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA 1999 - PRESENT
Abstract
Elections are central to competitive politics of the modern era especially under the „third
wave” of democracy.1 And during transitional period, elections will be not just a
foundation stone but a key generator overtime of further democratic reforms. Some
observers have argued that regular elections and the associated political rights and civil
liberties being experienced in new democracies like Nigeria are an indication of
democratic progress and optimism.2
In Nigeria as in much of Africa, electoral
competition is becoming more common. Regular conduct of elections is not only “central
to democratization”, but also contributes to the maturation of nascent democratic
cultures. An uninterrupted series of competitive elections imbues society with certain
democratic qualities- namely participation, competition and legitimacy.3
Unfortunately, In Nigeria, however, elections have been one of the main problems of the
democratic process. The conduct of free and fair elections has always been a problem
which continues to threaten the very survival of the country and questions the relevance
of democracy. Indeed, the problems associated with elections have direct impact on the
performance of democratic institutions. The Nigerian Government acknowledges that,
Controversies over highly rigged elections have been the forerunner to political violence
and instability in Nigeria. 4
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