THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY ON THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study examines the role of BVAS on election credibility (a contextual investigation of the 2023 general election in Benin city, Edo state). This study will support the Election management body in Nigeria {INEC} to comprehend how best to guarantee that the voter accreditation technology is kept up with and improved to ensure effective electoral process in the next elections Nigeria. Thus; the major aim of this study is to look at the crucial role of Bimodal voter accreditation Technology in Nigeria election and also highlights the challenges that might be experienced with the utilization of this technology. This study utilizes the Diffusion of Innovation theory, Technology-Organization-Environmental Framework and the Electronic Data Interchange Adoption Model as espoused by Everett. M Rodgers, Tornatzky, and Lacovou respectively to further explain the significance and role of voter accreditation technology to bring about credible elections. The study hence adopts a qualitative as well as quantitative methodology in Collection of Data. It adopts one of the conventional techniques for gathering data, for example the Primary sources of information. A sizable portion of the secondary sources used came from both published and unpublished works, including materials taken from: Chronicles, Papers, conversations, gathering papers, Magazines, Webs, Books, and Articles in diaries etc. The Study finds out that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation Technology if properly managed can be reliable during elections, it also finds out that there’s need for the Independent National Electoral commission to record basic observations and experience from the use of BVAS in Nigeria elections, try to resolve any issues, and train its ad-hoc staff on the best way to effectively utilize the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System. This study finally recommends that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System can be dependable and reliable during electioneering if properly managed, hence, INEC ought to keep up with the utilization of the BVAS in Subsequent elections in Nigeria. Regardless of the challenges related with the utilization of the machine, its use genuinely should be sustained in every future election in Nigeria.