A Review of the 2015 and 1999-2011 General Elections in Nigeria Using Pippa Norris’ Electoral Integrity Framework (EIF)
A Review of the 2015 and 1999-2011 General Elections in Nigeria Using Pippa Norris’ Electoral Integrity Framework (EIF)

Summary/Abstract: In a democratic setting, elections remain a universally acceptable means of choosing leaders. They are regarded as the heart of a democracy because they confer political legitimacy to governments in a democratic setting. The electoral history of Nigeria shows that it has been devoid of free and fair elections, ever since the country transitioned to democracy in 1999. In light of this, the present study finds it useful to examine whether we can perceive an improvement in the 2015 general elections when compared with previous electoral cycles beginning with 1999. In this sense, we will apply the Electoral Integrity Framework (EIF) developed by Pippa Norris. The result of this comparative analysis shows that the conditions of the 2015 general elections were made better due to the introduction of biometric technology. The results, as such, mirrored the failure of the ruling party (People’s Democratic Party – PDP) in the area of governance. The study further shows that the Electoral Commission has yet to improve the voter’s registration system and the voter’s card distribution method. The paper concludes that for Nigeria to experience free and fair elections, all actors involved must be ready to respect the electoral rules, to accept the rulings of the court and to put into effect the judicial decisions.

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