ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF THE 2022 ELECTORAL ON DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES
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Abstract
Free and fair elections are the genuine hallmark of democratic governments as they allow citizens to choose their representatives in governmental positions. As a democratic state, Nigeria has conducted well over eight General Elections since its severance from British hegemony in 1960. These elections conducted in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, have all been
marred by severe electoral irregularities. Observers report that malpractices such as vote buying, ballot snatching/stuffing, electoral violence, and multiple registration/voting characterized these elections. Owing to the spate of these malfeasances, policymakers embarked on legislative reforms to consolidate the extant electoral laws. SubseqUent legislative revisions in 2010, 2015
and 2019 birthed the Electoral Act 2022 which was enacted on February 25, 2022. Broadly, the Act aimed to enhance the capacity of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) to conduct free and fair elections. The innovations pioneered by the Act abound thereby theoretically enhancing democratic consolidation in Nigeria through its 153 sections. As a disruptive legal framework, the Act legalized the deployment of technology in the conduct of elections under section 47 – 50. Further, it mandated the prompt release of funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the elections. It also prohibited political appointees from acting as candidate/delegate in a primary election during the subsistence of their appointment. These
groundbreaking provisions were expected to radically reform electoral practice in Nigeria, solving the litany of problems plaguing the Nigerian electoral system. This, in turn, it was envisaged, would culminate in democratic consolidation and accord legitimacy to the emerging governments. However, in retrospect, these laudable aspirations and lofty expectations of the
Electoral Act 2022 were scarcely fulfilled. Almost two years after its enactment, the Nigerian electoral system is largely unchanged with electoral malpractices as prevalent as ever. The unforgettable 2023 Presidential elections and the petitions that followed brought to the fore, the issues that lay with the new Act. Likewise, the pockets of gubernatorial and legislative elections revealed certain gaps in the Act that were antithetical to democratic consolidation.
marred by severe electoral irregularities. Observers report that malpractices such as vote buying, ballot snatching/stuffing, electoral violence, and multiple registration/voting characterized these elections. Owing to the spate of these malfeasances, policymakers embarked on legislative reforms to consolidate the extant electoral laws. SubseqUent legislative revisions in 2010, 2015
and 2019 birthed the Electoral Act 2022 which was enacted on February 25, 2022. Broadly, the Act aimed to enhance the capacity of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) to conduct free and fair elections. The innovations pioneered by the Act abound thereby theoretically enhancing democratic consolidation in Nigeria through its 153 sections. As a disruptive legal framework, the Act legalized the deployment of technology in the conduct of elections under section 47 – 50. Further, it mandated the prompt release of funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the elections. It also prohibited political appointees from acting as candidate/delegate in a primary election during the subsistence of their appointment. These
groundbreaking provisions were expected to radically reform electoral practice in Nigeria, solving the litany of problems plaguing the Nigerian electoral system. This, in turn, it was envisaged, would culminate in democratic consolidation and accord legitimacy to the emerging governments. However, in retrospect, these laudable aspirations and lofty expectations of the
Electoral Act 2022 were scarcely fulfilled. Almost two years after its enactment, the Nigerian electoral system is largely unchanged with electoral malpractices as prevalent as ever. The unforgettable 2023 Presidential elections and the petitions that followed brought to the fore, the issues that lay with the new Act. Likewise, the pockets of gubernatorial and legislative elections revealed certain gaps in the Act that were antithetical to democratic consolidation.
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