Electoral Reforms in Nigeria:: The Impact of Technology on Free and Fair Election

This study critically examines the impact of technology on electoral reforms in Nigeria, focusing on its role in facilitating free and fair elections. The research was motivated by persistent challenges in Nigeria's electoral process, including malpractices, violence, and public distrust, despite various reforms initiated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The integration of technological innovations, such as biometric voter registration and electronic voting systems, has emerged as a potential solution to these issues. However, the effectiveness of these technologies is often hindered by infrastructural deficits, inadequate training for electoral officials, cyber threats, and political interference. Findings reveal that technological innovations have significantly enhanced transparency and accountability in Nigeria's electoral process. The deployment of systems like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has reduced incidents of fraud and multiple voting. The study recommends increased investment in advanced electoral technologies, comprehensive training programs for stakeholders, robust legal frameworks to address cybersecurity risks etc.