Projectization of INEC Continuous Voter Registration Process to Prevent Regular Interruptions

Abstract

This research work on projectization of INEC Continuous Voter Registration in Nigeria aims to develop a framework for managing the registration process as a project, with defined objectives, scope, timelines, and resources. This study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the impacts of projectization of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration process to prevent regular interruptions of flow of available registration opportunities to the Nigerian populace in Onitsha, Anambra State. The following objectives were utilized to achieve the aim of the research, namely: to determine if the current INEC Continuous Voter Registration process can be projectized, to analyze the impacts of projectization of INEC Continuous Voter Registration process and to compare the gains of projectization of INEC Continuous Voter Registration process to the present situation. This study is anchored on “The Theory of Path dependence”, which is a concept in economics and the social sciences, referring to processes where past events or decisions constrain later events or decisions. The google forms research tool was used as a tool for sampling, data collection and analysis. Findings indicate that most of the respondents do not agree that the present INEC CVR is actually continuous as only 17.5% (27) of the respondents think so while 55.8% (86) of the respondents think the process is actually “continual”. The study further showed that 89% (137) and 80.5% (124) feel that the INEC CVR exercise should always be left open/available to the public and should not be left to go on the way it is presently respectively. From the survey, 53.3% (82), 47.4% (73), 45.5% (70), 64.3% (99), 61% (94) and 58.5% (90) of the respondents indicated High/Very High respectively with respect to the impacts of projectization on complete capture of all eligible voters, all-inclusive voter register/outcome, up to date voter register, increase in voter participation, election turnout and inclusion of voters who become eligible by age, citizenship & freedom. In conclusion from the research conducted, most of the respondents believe that projectization of the INEC CVR will positively impact the process. Also, the result of analysis of data showed that “there is a negative relationship between the current INEC continuous voter registration process and its Projectization” using the test statistic method. Based on the findings, the work therefore recommends that the INEC should look at the option of projectizing the CVR exercise by assessing the capacity and robustness of the available gadgets and softwares to determine if there is need for upgrade, the Nigeria National Orientation Agency should embark of public sensitization and awareness programme on the need to participate in the INEC CVR, the Nigerian Civil Registry should be upgraded and equipped to capture and update relevant data/information relating to births/deaths and also made to interface effectively and efficiently with INEC to provide smooth update of eligible and ineligible voters to the INEC Voter register.