THE ROLE OF HUMAN TRANSFORMATION IN CURBING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES: ANALYZING THE LIMITATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE NIGERIAN ELECTORAL PROCESS

Abstract

The prevalence of electoral malpractices in Nigeria has remained a significant concern for democracy and governance. While technological interventions have been introduced to mitigate electoral fraud, such as electronic voting systems and biometric voter identification, the deep-seated issues of human corruption, manipulation, and moral decay persist, limiting the efficacy of these innovations. This article argues that human transformation rooted in ethical reform, value reorientation, and civic responsibility is essential for addressing the root causes of electoral malpractices. By analyzing the limitations of technology in the Nigerian electoral process, this paper highlights the complementary role of human transformation alongside technological advancements to foster transparent, free, and fair elections. The theory adopted is Transformative Learning Theory. Drawing from theoretical frameworks on governance and human development, the article discusses the necessity for a holistic approach that emphasizes character formation, leadership ethics, and civic education. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of institutionalizing these transformations for sustained democratic progress. The methods of data collection in this research is both primary and secondary sources, such as previous works of foreign and local authors who have written on the relevant issues in journals, books of reading, internet documentaries and lecture notes. The primary sources include both participant and non-participant methods of observation.