IMPLICATIONS OF THE 2015 IDP VOTING MODALITIES ON THE ELECTORAL PROCESS AND POLICY OPTIONS FOR FUTURE ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

Michael E. Nwokedi, Emeka C. Iloh

Abstract


The study examined the implications of the modalities put in place by INEC to ensure the participation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the 2015 general elections on the electoral process, as well as the policy options for future elections in Nigeria. The modalities in question include: change in residency requirement for IDPs; mass transfers of the registration of identified IDPs to their new locations; creation of special voting centres for IDPs in the north east; and distribution of outstanding PVCs to IDPs in their camps before the election. In generating data for the study, documentary method of data collection, based on secondary sources, was adopted. To analyze the data generated, the study used content analysis rooted on logical deductions. The study was anchored on the Social Dominance Theory. The result of data analysis demonstrated that the modalities INEC put in place to ensure the participation of IDPs in the 2015 general elections were skewed in favour of the opposition candidate, especially, given the fact that IDPs from other parts of the country were excluded from the arrangement. The study recommends electronic voting system, strengthening the legal frameworks, and early preparation to enable all eligible Nigerians, including IDPs, to vote from whichever part of the country they are resident at the time of the election.

Keywords


Internally Displaced Persons, Voting, Elections, Insurgency, and Displacement

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References


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