SMART TECHNOLOGY AS A VERITABLE TOOL FOR CREDIBLE ELECTION: A STUDY OF NIGERIA

Election is a key component of democracy. Since Nigeria gained its independence in 1960, the conduct of election in the political history of Nigeria has been marred by fraudulent practices, corruption and violence. In spite of series of electoral reforms, the country has not succeeded in reducing incidences of voter intimidation, ballot box snatching and stuffing, multiple voting, falsifications of results and other associated electoral malpractices. In fact, the country failed to conceive and implement free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process. Admittedly, part of the efforts made towards the conduct of 2015 general elections is the introduction and use of Smart Card Reader (SCR) in the quest to ensure free, fair and credible election. Building on the gains of Smart Card Reader in the 2015 elections, INEC introduced an advance level of smart technology in elections conducted outside the election circle in the year 2021 known as Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). It is against this background therefore; the paper investigated the impact of smart technology in the electoral process. The study adopted quantitative research method as data were gathered through primary sources. David Easton’s system theory was deployed for analysis. The study found amongst others that the introduction of smart technologies – Smart Card Reader and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System have reduced incidence of electoral fraud, and enhanced free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. The study recommends adequate facility, including legal framework for full adoption and operation of smart technology across all the facet of electoral process including voting in Nigeria.