Unveiling INEC’S Testimonies: A Dive into Digital Technology Engagement and Voters Registration, 2015-2022

Abstract

Beyond the conventional approach to delivering public services, the adoption of digital mechanisms for delivering these services has been advocated. This is to improve how public services are delivered to the general public. INEC is not left out in the search for a better way to provide quality service through digital technology, and they have introduced new technologies over the years to carry out their activities. However, voter impersonation, duplicate registrations, and overcrowding at registration centres are among the problems that have plagued the election system. In light of this, it becomes imperative to identify the effects and challenges of the use of digital technology in INEC activities, specifically in the registration of voters and the distribution of voter’s cards. The scope of the study was Lagos state, specifically Alimosho Local Government. This study relied on the Technology Organisation Environment framework as the theoretical framework of analysis. This study used secondary and primary sources of data collection. The data were analysed thematically based on the research questions and the structured interview that guided the study. This study adopted a case-study research design. The population of the study was 25 staff of the Alimosho Local Government INEC office, and the sample size was 5 staff selected using the purposive sampling technique. The result showed that digital technology has a positive effect on the registration of voters and distribution of voters’ cards in Alimosho Local Government, but they still experience challenges like a shortage of digital devices and staff as well as delays in fixing and replacing damaged devices. The study concluded that despite digital technology having had a positive impact on the registration of voters and distribution of voters’ cards in Alimosho Local Government between 2015 and 2022, there are still some challenges that need to be tackled. The study recommends that INEC should provide more devices to the local government, and adequate staffing and training should be prioritised to ensure the smooth operation and management of digital systems.