ELECTORAL CREDIBILITY AND DEMOCRATIC STABILITY: EVALUATING THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS IN 2015 - 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN TARABA STATE.

Abstract This study examines the relationship between electoral credibility and democratic stability, focusing on the role of international observers in the 2015–2023 presidential elections in Taraba State, Nigeria. Credible elections are central to democratic governance, particularly in emerging democracies where electoral mistrust often fuels instability. Anchored on Democratic Consolidation Theory, as advanced by Samuel P. Huntington and Larry Diamond, the study argues that democracy becomes stable when electoral processes are widely perceived as free, fair, and legitimate. The theory is adopted because it directly links credible elections to long-term democratic stability, making it suitable for analyzing how international observation strengthens electoral legitimacy in Taraba State. The study pursued two objectives: first, to examine how international observers contributed to electoral credibility in the 2015–2023 presidential elections; and second, to identify the challenges limiting the effectiveness of international observers in promoting democratic stability. Using qualitative analysis of reports and electoral data, the findings reveal that observer presence enhanced transparency, improved compliance with electoral procedures, and increased public confidence in election outcomes. However, logistical constraints, limited enforcement powers, and political interference restricted their overall impact. The study concludes that while international observers significantly improve electoral credibility, their influence on democratic stability depends on domestic institutional reforms and political will. It recommends strengthening collaboration between observer missions and local electoral bodies, enhancing legal frameworks to address electoral malpractice, and ensuring greater independence of electoral institutions to consolidate democracy in Taraba State.