Paper short abstract:

While the debate continues on the prospects of technology in electoral credibility, this paper examines the role that technology played in previous elections in Nigeria, the prospects technology holds for future elections, and the challenges technology poses to the electoral and democratic process.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the role that technology has played in previous elections in Nigeria, the prospects technology holds for future elections, and the inherent challenges technology poses to the electoral and democratic process. The literature on the role of technology in elections and democracy has not been able to reach a consensus on the prospects of technology to improve the electoral process, while some are optimistic about the subject matter, others are rather pessimistic. Despite this unresolved debate, the deployment of technology for the electoral and democratic process in Africa, but specifically Nigeria, is on the increase. The paper relied on primary data, using the qualitative research method, and drawing insights from fourteen (14) key informant interviewees who were purposively selected based on their expertise, experience and practical involvement on the subject matter. Among others, findings reveal that technology has improved the electoral and democratic process in Nigeria; it has inherent challenges like technological glitches and political interference, environmental factors, inadequate trainings for handlers of technologies during elections, the high cost of deploying technologies, corruption, and the vulnerability of technologies, etc. The paper also found that technology has very good prospects to improve the electoral process in Nigeria, and that there is the need for the introduction of more technologies in future elections in Nigeria, however, with caution and gradually, rather than rushed. The paper recommends the need for sustained commitment to technological enhancement, including investing in advanced equipment and updating software, to address challenges and ensure trustworthy election outcomes.