AN ASSESSMENT OF ROLES OF FOREIGN OBSERVERS IN NIGERIAN ELECTORAL CREDITABILITY

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the roles of foreign observers in Nigerian electoral credibility and solution strategies.

Descriptive design of survey type was adopted for this study. A sample of 250 respondents of educated adults within Ijebu North Local Government, Ogun State. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data from the selected respondents. The research questions were analyzed using simple percentage and with the use of statistical tools SPSS version 20.0.

Findings from the study showed that foreign observers disseminates international standards and good practices, experienced observers can detect problems or questionable activities and the example set by international observers can help develop and improve the capacity of national observation efforts are the reasons for foreign observers in Nigeria election.

Based on the findings, the study recommended as follows:

• All those caught in the act of bribery and corruption or diverting national resources for illegal campaign spending must be severely punished to deter others in future from doing the same.
• The incumbent government must guarantee the security of lives and properties across the country to make the elections safer and credible.
• INEC and policymakers should ensure that the use of card reader is constituted into law for any election and it must be followed, and they should be made effective to avoid disappointment during the elections.
• Laws should be made to denote that any party or contestant caught breaking electoral regulations should be banned from participating in politics in Nigeria.
• The civil societies and international donors should intensify socialization in local language on the evil of vote buying.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION                                                            

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Statement of Problem

1.3. Research Questions

1.4 Significant of the Study

1.5 Scope of the Study

1.6 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO:  LITERATURE REVIEW                                               

2.1     Theoretical Framework

2.1.1   Rational Choice Theory

2.1.2   The Obligations-Based Theory

2.2 Conceptual Framework

2.2.1 The Concepts of Election Monitoring

2.2.2 Reasons for International Observers’ in Maintaining Election Integrity

2.2.3 Trends of Electoral Credibility in Nigeria                                       

2.2.4 Sponsors of Foreign Observer Missions

2.2.5 Impact of Foreign Observers on Election Credibility in Nigeria

2.2.6 Rules of Conduct for International Observers

2.2.7 Consideration to Observe an Election

2.2.8 Measures to Enhance Election Credibility in Nigeria

2.3 Empirical studies

2.4 Appraisal of literature review

CHAPTER THREE:  METHODOLOGY                                                     

3.1 Research Design

3.2 Population

3.3 Sample and Sampling Technique

3.4 Instruments

3.5 Validity of the Instrument

3.6 Reliability of the Instrument

3.7 Method of Data Collection

3.8 Procedures for Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULT                                 

4.1 Demographic Data Analyses

4.2 Analyses of Research Questions

4.2.1   Research Question One

4.2.2   Research Question Two

4.2.3   Research Question Three

4.3 Summary of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION

          AND RECOMMENDATIONS                                                            

5.1 Discussion of Findings

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendations

REFERENCES

APPENDIX