Inclusive or Exclusive Democracy? Interrogating Structural Violence in Elections in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic

Abstract

Election is primate to democracy to the extent that it serves as a benchmark for evaluating a country's democratic quality. The recognition, acceptance and respect of the right to vote and be voted for is thus highly fundamental in a democratic system. However, the electoral sphere in Nigeria, since the country's return to democracy in 1999, has been marred by systemic issues that amount to structural violence. This includes gross violations of political rights, the marginalization of women and youths, and widespread manipulations and inconsistencies. These troubling aspects not only hinder the democratic process but also perpetuate inequalities and injustices within the system. With the overall objective of interrogating structural violence in Nigeria’s electoral system, this study adopted a qualitative approach using secondary data sources and thematic analysis. Findings of this study revealed the structural limitations and inequalities prevalent in the country’s elections. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy, structural violence has taken different forms and has had significant implications for the country’s electoral system. This study concludes that structural violence in the electoral process is detrimental to the country's democratic quality, social cohesion, and long-term stability.