ELECTORAL INTEGRITY AND DEMOCRATIC STABILITY IN NIGERIA'S FOURTH REPUBLIC

Electoral integrity is considered pivotal to the survival and consolidation of democracy. This stems from the fact that elections pose as a true reflection of the will of the people. A cursory look at the Fourth Republic in Nigeria (1999 – till date), shows that the periodic conduct of elections has unarguably emerged as both a means of democratic transition of power, and a source of democratic stability. This study is intellectually structured, and examines the nexus or interconnection between electoral integrity and democratic stability in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, with specific emphasis on how political legitimacy is influenced by the credibility of the electoral process. The study further investigates the reoccurring shortfalls of electoral malpractices, ranging from voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, result alterations, vote buying, incumbency factor, as well as institutional failures associated with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Judiciary. In the same vein, the study highlights the major reforms undergone in the efforts aimed at strengthening the credibility of elections, such as the introduction of smart card readers, biometric voter registration for the purpose of improving electoral transparency and accountability. The study is premised on a combination of the democratic and social contract theories in providing the needed explanations for the subject matter. While the democratic theory underscores the relevance of credible polls in sustaining democratic governance, the social contract theory on the other hand, exposes the relationship between the citizens and the state, and how the shortfalls seen in electoral integrity, undermines political legitimacy and stability. With data drawn from both secondary and empirical sources, the study argues that despite the improvements recorded in the conduct of elections in Nigeria, recurring manipulations continue to undermine democratic stability by dampening the confidence of the citizens in the polity. The study concludes that the successful strengthening of electoral integrity through the enforcement of practicable independence on democratic institutions, as well as the strict implementation of electoral laws remains pivotal in the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. The study recommends that proper machineries be put in place to facilitate the credibility of elections to preserve electoral integrity and democratic stability in Nigeria.