Credible Electoral System, the Recipe for Good Governance: A Study of INEC (1999-2011)

Abstract

This study is titled credible electoral process, the recipe for good governance in Nigeria: a study of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (1999- 2011). The broad objective is to ascertain the relationship between a credible electoral process and hope for good governance in Nigeria. It further uncovered the constraints and electoral behaviour that bedevil INEC, and determining factors that could engender an objective electoral process in Nigeria. The study utilized secondary data and content analysis methods but adopted the structural-functionalist theory. Findings revealed that some legal framework constraints of sections 153(1), 154(1) and 156 of the 1999 constitution and sections 5-5 of 2010 Electoral Act and other electoral behavioural factors which include political thuggery and more, weaken the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The implications of these findings show impending doom for governance and nascent democracy. Based on the findings, the study recommended among other things the strengthening of INEC’s enabling laws, structure and funding arrangement through constitutional amendment provisions inter alia.