American International Journal of Social Science

Electoral Management Body and the Challenges of Conducting Credible Elections in Nigeria
Chimaroke Mgba

Abstract
The paper interrogates the challenges of conducting credible elections in Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation. It specifically beams its searchlight on the role of the Election Management Body (EMB), namely the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the conduct of elections. Whilst acknowledging that the conduct of elections since 1999 has been regular and common, heralding democratic progress and optimism, these elections however, are fraught with irregularities and defects that not only undermine the entire democratic process more generally, but specifically also impinge on the capacity of the EMB to conduct credible elections. This has consequently necessitated the requirement for and implementation of electoral reforms, leading to improvements in the conduct of elections and political power alternation. The paper concludes by highlighting the fact that the effectiveness of the EMB and consolidation of democracy in Nigeria depend to a considerable extent on the further implementation of electoral reforms.

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