Managing Election-Related Violence in Nigeria: Focus on the Use of Technologies in the 2023 General Elections

Abstract

Election-related Despite the introduction of technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, Nigeria’s 2023 general elections were still marred by persistent electoral violence. These technologies aimed to enhance transparency, credibility, and reduce malpractice. This study critically examined their application in mitigating election-related violence in Akwa Ibom State. Using the frustration-aggression theory as its analytical framework, the research adopted a qualitative approach and conducted thematic analysis. Findings revealed that political rivalry, thuggery, and intimidation by candidates and their supporters were major drivers of violence, especially in opposition-dominated areas. These acts created a climate of fear and significantly reduced voter turnout. Although BVAS and IReV were designed to promote electoral integrity, their effectiveness was compromised by reliability issues and a lack of public trust. The study concludes that technological innovations alone are insufficient in addressing systemic democratic deficits. It recommends the establishment of an independent “Electoral Offences Commission” with prosecutorial powers to investigate, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators of electoral violence and technological sabotage. Enforcing accountability is crucial to ending impunity, strengthening the rule of law, and building a more credible and peaceful democratic process in Nigeria.

Keywords

• Managing
• election-related violence
• technologies
• 2023 general elections

Nijerya’da Seçim İle İlgili Şiddetin Yönetimi: 2023 Genel Seçimlerinde Teknoloji Kullanımına Odaklanma

Abstract

Seçimlerle ilgili Bimodal Seçmen Kimlik Doğrulama Sistemi (BVAS) ve INEC Sonuç Görüntüleme (IReV) portalı gibi teknolojik yeniliklerin getirilmesine rağmen, Nijerya’nın 2023 genel seçimleri hala sürekli seçim şiddetiyle gölgelendi. Bu teknolojiler şeffaflığı ve güvenilirliği artırmayı ve suistimali azaltmayı amaçlıyordu. Bu çalışma, Akwa Ibom Eyaletinde seçimlerle ilgili şiddeti azaltmada bu teknolojilerin uygulanmasını eleştirel bir şekilde inceledi. Analitik çerçeve olarak hayal kırıklığı-saldırganlık teorisini kullanan araştırma, nitel bir yaklaşım benimsemiş ve tematik analiz gerçekleştirmiştir. Bulgular, siyasi rekabet, adaylar ve destekçileri tarafından gerçekleştirilen zorbalık ve sindirme eylemlerinin, özellikle muhalefetin hakim olduğu bölgelerde şiddetin başlıca nedenleri olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Bu eylemler bir korku ortamı yaratmış ve seçmen katılımını önemli ölçüde azaltmıştır. BVAS ve IReV, seçimlerin dürüstlüğünü teşvik etmek için tasarlanmış olsa da, güvenilirlik sorunları ve halkın güven eksikliği nedeniyle etkinlikleri tehlikeye girmiştir. Çalışma, teknolojik yeniliklerin tek başına sistemik demokratik eksiklikleri gidermek için yeterli olmadığı sonucuna varmıştır. Seçim şiddetinin ve teknolojik sabotajın faillerini soruşturmak, tutuklamak ve yargılamak için savcılık yetkisine sahip bağımsız bir “Seçim Suçları Komisyonu” kurulmasını önermektedir. Hesap verebilirliğin sağlanması, cezasızlığın sona erdirilmesi, hukukun üstünlüğünün güçlendirilmesi ve Nijerya’da daha güvenilir ve barışçıl bir demokratik sürecin inşa edilmesi için hayati önem taşımaktadır.

Keywords

• Yönetme
• seçimle ilgili şiddet
• teknolojiler
• 2023 genel seçimleri

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