IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC CARD READER IN CURBING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES IN NIGERIA

The study examined the effects of electronic card reader in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The method of data collection adopted was primary with the use of questionnaire. The population of the study was 2 million. The sample size was 400. Out of the 400 copies of questionnaire administered, 100 copies were retrieved with information relevant to the study. The data collected were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results revealed that elections in Nigeria are characterized by violence, over voting, vote buying and other forms of electoral manipulation. Hence, INEC introduced the use of card reader to curb some of the excesses which has reduced Nigeria elections to mere exercise in futility. This work has examined the effectiveness of the use of smart card reader in search for electoral transparency in Nigeria. This paper also reveals that despite the benefits recorded by the use of the card reader, there were some challenges recorded. This work made some useful suggestions that will help Nigerian Government and INEC in subsequent elections. This includes adequate education as a panacea for the effective use of the smart card reader. This work gathered its data through primary and secondary sources such as use of interview, observations, use of the library and useful related literature.