EFFECT OF ELECTION MALPRACTICE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY

Abstract This study evaluated Effect of election malpractices and how they hinder development of Nigerian democracy using Plateau states as case study. The relationship between electoral practices and development of democracy is easily identified. The study specifically analyzed how election malpractice affects the democratic development in Nigeria. The study also investigated the causes of election malpractice in Nigeria and examined the functions of security agencies during election to curb electoral malpractices. The study adopted the qualitative approach of study whereby archival facts, periodicals, fact books and news sources were utilized. The findings revealed that electoral fraud which undermines democratic governance generates an enormous insecurity in societies that tremendously has a negative impact on individuals, groups and the nation in general. The study concluded that governmental inability to combat widespread impunity of abuses orchestrated by politicians and government officials are what constitute a greater threat to a country's national security. The study therefore recommended that there is need for the establishment of an electoral offences court that will apply punitive measures on all parties involved in electoral fraud. It was further recommended that government needs to establish a national security policy that will incorporate actors involving academics, civil societies, youth and students unionism, serving and retired security personnel's, political parties representatives, etc. that will oversee the entire electoral exercises and offer solution to the electoral body where necessary.