Influence of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices on Electoral Participation in the Federal Capital Territory
Abstract
Voter registration apathy poses a significant challenge to democratic participation in Nigeria. In response the INEC introduced the IVED to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of voter registration. This study assesses the role of IVED in reducing voter registration apathy in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T), Nigeria following the conclusion of voter registration for the 6 Area Council election. Adopting a Mixed –method research design, data were collected through structures questionnaires and focus group discussion among voters across the six area councils. The Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings indicated that IVED improved the speed and credibility of voter registration and enhanced public confidence in the registration process. However, challenges such as network connectivity issues, inadequate registration centre s, continued to contribute to registration apathy among some eligible voters. The study concludes that while IVED has the potential to reduce voter registration apathy in the F.C.T, its effectiveness depends on complementary measures such as improved infrastructure, enhanced staff training and sustained voter education. The study recommends strengthening of the Continuous Voter Registration and provision of enough IVED in all polling units and the deployment of electoral technologies in Nigeria.