EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM ON ELECTORAL CREDIBILITY: INSIGHT FROM THE 2019 IMO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS

Abstract

This study examined the electronic voting system and election credibility in Imo state with a focus on the 2019 governorship election. The specific objectives are to ascertain if the application of the electronic voting system in the 2019 general elections has enhanced election credibility in Imo State, verify how the malfunctioning of the smart card reader affected the credibility of the 2019 governorship elections and examine how the issue of competent personnel employed for utilising technology affected the credibility of 2019 governorship elections in Imo State. The theory of technological determinism was adopted as the framework for analysis. The survey research design was used and data were collected through primary sources using the questionnaire instrument and focus group discussion. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative analysis was done using the mean score statistical method and the thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the qualitative data. The study revealed that the application of the e-voting system has not significantly enhanced election credibility in 2019 governorship election in Imo State. Additionally, the study observed that the malfunctioning of smart card reader and issue of competent personnel significantly militated against the credibility of the 2019 governorship elections in Imo State. It was recommended for adoption of a full voting system or electronic transmission of result, improvement of electronic devices and adequate training of both permanent and ad-hoc staff.