Evaluating the Impact of Electronic Card Readers on Nigeria General Elections: 2015-2019

Ugwuozor, Ifeanyi Samuel (2021) Evaluating the Impact of Electronic Card Readers on Nigeria General Elections: 2015-2019. IDOSR JOURNAL OF CURRENT ISSUES IN ARTS AND HUMANITIES, 7 (1). pp. 42-51. ISSN 2579-0757

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Abstract

The use of the electronic card reader is a common phenomenon in the developed countries of the West and other developing countries around the world including Africa. This study evaluated the impact of the electronic card readers introduced into Nigeria's electoral system during the 2015 and 2019 general elections. Anchored on the functionalist theory, the paper attempted to ascertain if the biometric devices captured thumbprints effectively and enfranchised all registered adult, and also find out whether the inadequacy of trained INEC personnel contributed to the disenfranchisement of Nigerian voters. The paper argued that although the rationale behind the introduction of the smart card reader (SCR) was applauded, the card readers malfunctioned in several polling units, a situation that caused undue delay in the accreditation process. Accordingly, many Nigerians were disenfranchised as people‟s thumbprints were not captured. Furthermore, the electorates were frustrated and the equipment failure was rife as a result of the inefficiency of the electronic card reader in Nigeria. The paper therefore recommended that the future use of electronic card readers should be thoroughly reviewed in Nigeria, in view of the homogenous and widespread failure in the previous elections.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited:	16 Apr 2024 11:06
Last Modified:	16 Apr 2024 11:06
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/4252

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