THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS AND THE CHALLENGE OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The 2023 Nigerian general election was marred by a disturbing rise in electoral violence, casting a shadow over the country's democratic progress. It poses a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process and undermines public trust. This violence undermines the integrity of the electoral process, erodes public trust, and hampers citizen participation. Understanding the root causes and implications of electoral violence is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its occurrence and ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in Nigeria. Findings from the Nigerian 2023 electoral violence include, Intense political competition fueled violence between supporters and mobilized militant groups, Politicians exploiting ethnoreligious divisions, deepening societal fractures and contributing to violence, Weak institutional frameworks allowing for electoral malpractices, eroding trust in the process, Electoral violence undermined public confidence, leading to voter apathy and reduced participation, Socioeconomic development suffered due to instability and reduced investments. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive interventions to strengthen institutions, address divisions, promote transparency, and restore trust for peaceful and inclusive elections in Nigeria. The research questions on Nigerian 2023 electoral violence will be addressed through qualitative methods. This includes a literature review, interviews and the development of policy recommendations. The research on Nigerian 2023 electoral violence is expected to have significant impacts, including informing policy interventions, improving electoral processes, strengthening democracy, enhancing social cohesion, contributing to academic knowledge, and raising public awareness and engagement. It will foster a more peaceful, inclusive, and democratic electoral environment in Nigeria.