ROLE OF ELECTORAL MANAGEMENT BODIES IN PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL

Abstract

It cannot be gainsaid, that the conduct of free, fair and credible elections is fundamental to the establishment a government that can promote inclusiveness, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, participation, respect for human rights and economic efficiency in governance. The responsibility of managing elections in Nigeria is legally entrusted on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Management Commissions (SIECs). Unfortunately, elections in Nigeria have been shrouded in controversy thereby constituting a threat rather than a process of consolidating and sustaining democratic governance. This paper argues that this situation is largely attributable to weak institutional framework of the electoral management bodies which derogates from their independence and capacity to effectively manage elections in Nigeria. Against the above background, this paper appraises the role of the electoral management bodies in Nigeria and their impact on democratic governance. The paper concludes with salutary recommendations aimed at addressing the above challenges especially, the enhancement of the capacity of the electoral bodies through the provision of adequate legal framework, continuous training, adequate funding and effective oversight by critical stakeholders.