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 agovernment that can promote inclusiveness, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, participation, respectfor human rights and economic efficiency in governance. The responsibility of managing elections in Nigeria islegally entrusted on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent ElectoralManagement Commissions (SIECs). Unfortunately, elections in Nigeria have been shrouded in controversythereby constituting a threat rather than a process of consolidating and sustaining democratic governance. Thispaper argues that this situation is largely attributable to weak institutional framework of the electoralmanagement bodies which derogates from their independence and capacity to effectively manage elections inNigeria. Against the above background, this paper appraises the role of the electoral management bodies inNigeria and their impact on democratic governance. The paper concludes with salutary recommendations aimedat addressing the above challenges especially, the enhancement of the capacity of the electoral bodies throughthe provision of adequate legal framework, continuous training, adequate funding and effective oversight bycritical stakeholders.