Examining institutional interventions: the case of electronic voters’ registration in Nigeria

Abstract

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is one of several organizations sponsored by the Nigerian government as part of its e-government initiative to computerize all ministries and its mission to increase the level of adoption and diffusion of ICTs in the country. This strategy may be attributed to publications suggesting a link between ICTs and development, which is prompting the introduction of various information systems within different governmental organizations and fuelling the relentless efforts at promoting them. Research has highlighted the role of institutions in the adoption and diffusion of ICTs. We draw upon one such framework to examine two efforts by the Commission (INEC) to introduce an Electronic Voters’ Registration system. This system was designed to provide a more credible electoral process with a view to increasing the participation of the citizens of the country in future voting exercises, hence aiding its adoption as the status quo. However, despite a number of interventions promoting the innovation, these efforts failed to institutionalize the system, which was poorly perceived after the elections amidst reports of high levels of electoral malpractice. We conclude by reflecting on the limitations in this context of institutional interventions and suggest some implications for policy makers.