THE ROLE OF ELECTORAL COMMISSIONS IN THE EMERGENCE OF LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENTS: A STUDY OF THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examined the role of electoral commissions in the emergence of legitimate governments with major focus on the 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria. In democratic dispensations, the quality and credibility of elections conducted by Electoral Commissions are very crucial in the emergence of legitimate governments characterised by wide acceptance and recognition necessary for promoting political stability. The Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) is the institution saddled with the task of conducting elections in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In order to attain optimum performance, this institution must be highly competent, transparent and independent in the implementation of the nation’s electoral process. Nigerians had high expectations for the 2023 elections as the newly adopted 2022 electoral act made provisions for electronic system of voting and transmission of results using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).  This study embraced the Social Contract Theory by John Locke to explain that governments can only function when given consent by the people they govern. A descriptive research design was adopted and data was obtained mainly from secondary sources such as published works, journal publications, newspapers, internet sources and government publications. The study identified that adherence to electoral laws, non violation of voting and electoral rights of citizens, recruitment of competent electoral officers and ensuring integrity and transparency of the electoral process amongst others are roles of electoral commissions in the conduct of credible elections. Findings also revealed that the 2023 presidential elections was marred with myriad of problems and electoral malpractices such as noncompliance with the electoral laws in the area of electronic voting and transmission of results, political thuggery and voters’ intimidation, late arrival of election materials and disenfranchisement of a lot of eligible voters.  This study therefore recommended proper planning and training of electoral officers, enhanced level of autonomy for electoral commissions and adequate synergy between electoral commissions and other stakeholders.