Digital Democracy and Elections in Nigeria: An Assessment of the 2023 Governorship Election in Taraba State

Abstract

Digital democracy is the application of digital technology in election processes. This paper examined the application of digital devices in the 2023 Governorship election in Taraba state. Using Cross Sectional survey research design through the instrumentality of questionnaire, a sample size of 383 was drawn from a Local Government Area from each of the three senatorial zones in the state using stratify and random sampling method. The data of the study is primary and secondarily driven (internet material, textbooks, Journals, newspapers, magazines, etc.). Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to test the postulated hypotheses statistically, The study found that the adoption of election technology by the electoral umpire is transforming elections through the elimination of manual accreditation and transmission of results without necessarily deepening democracy in Taraba state, giving that the 2023 gubernatorial election was marred by allegation of multiple voting, election results manipulation, and over-voting, resulting in legal actions that the adopted technology was meant to stop. The study also found that factors such as network and operational challenges affected the smooth application of the device in the governorship election. The paper recommends, amongst others, that the Election Management Body should show diligence in adopting the twin technologies during elections. At the same time, thorough training should be provided to both permanent and ad-hoc staff to prevent outside interference, as witnessed in the 2023 elections. Furthermore, Trust is required to adopt and utilise emerging technologies. Thus, the electoral umpire should prioritise building trust among Nigeria's general populace by ensuring transparency in its operations.