ELECTORAL FRAUD AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: CASE STUDIES FROM SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA, 2007-2015

Abstract

Electoral fraud remains a significant obstacle to democratic consolidation in Nigeria, particularly in the Southeastern region, where elections between 2007 and 2015 were plagued by irregularities. Fraudulent practices such as ballot box snatching, vote-buying, voter intimidation, and result manipulation have undermined electoral integrity, weakened democratic institutions, and discouraged voter participation. This study investigates the extent and impact of electoral fraud in Southeastern Nigeria, exposing the systemic weaknesses that allowed these malpractices to persist. The study aims to examine the various forms of electoral fraud, analyze its impact on voter participation and public trust, investigate institutional weaknesses that enable fraud, apply theoretical frameworks to explain its persistence, and propose measures to strengthen electoral integrity. A qualitative case study approach was employed, focusing on electoral cycles between 2007 and 2015. Data was collected through interviews with electoral officials, political actors, civil society groups, and voters, along with secondary sources such as election reports and media analysis. Institutional Theory and Political Economy Theory provide the study’s analytical foundation, with the former explaining how weak electoral institutions create opportunities for fraud and the latter highlighting the economic and power incentives that sustain fraudulent practices. Findings reveal that electoral fraud was systemic, with ballot box snatching, vote-buying, and voter intimidation being the most prevalent forms. Institutional weaknesses, including corruption and inadequate law enforcement, facilitated fraudulent activities, discouraging voter participation and weakening democratic accountability. Economic factors such as poverty and financial inducements made voters more susceptible to manipulation. To address these challenges, the study recommends strengthening electoral institutions, increasing transparency, enforcing stricter penalties for fraud, promoting civic education, reducing economic incentives for fraud, and ensuring greater political accountability. Implementing these measures can enhance electoral integrity, restore public trust in the electoral system, and reinforce democratic governance in Southeastern Nigeria and beyond.