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<journal-id journal-id-type="publisher">global-journal-of-human-social-science-f-political-science</journal-id>
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<journal-title>Global Journal of Human-Social Science - F: Political Science</journal-title>
</journal-title-group>
<issn publication-format="print">0975-587X</issn>
<issn publication-format="electronic">2249-460X</issn>
<publisher><publisher-name>Global Journals Publishing Group Incorporated</publisher-name></publisher>
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<article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">62541</article-id>
<title-group>
<article-title>The Card Reader and the Conundrum of Digital Tools in Electioneering in Nigeria</article-title>
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<contrib-group>
<contrib contrib-type="author"><name><surname>Omotosho</surname><given-names>Mashood Olaniyi</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1" />
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<contrib contrib-type="author"><name><surname>Udeoji</surname><given-names>, Ebele Angela</given-names></name></contrib>
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<aff id="aff1">NIGERIA, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria</aff>
<pub-date publication-format="electronic" date-type="pub" iso-8601-date="2020-01-15">
<day>15</day>
<month>01</month>
<year>2020</year>
</pub-date>
<volume>20</volume>
<issue>F4</issue>
<fpage>9</fpage>
<lpage>19</lpage>
<abstract><p>The track records of elections in Nigeria have continued to generate mixed feelings. Many political observers remain sceptical about the appropriateness and ultimate utility of digital tools in the conduct of elections in the country. It is no gainsaying that one of the key elements for the sustenance of democracy is digital tools technology. Taking a stroll down the electoral process of Nigeria since 1999, it can be noted that elections have been characterised by electoral malpractices and violence. The recent introduction of the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) has a great impact on the 2015 general elections and the consolidation of democracy across the country. For instance, the card reader facilities and its security monitoring operating system provide password restricted access to store data with specific playback for criminal investigation and its impact on the 2015 general elections. This paper therefore takes a critical look at the use of the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) as it affects Nigeria’s move towards a viable electoral system and the promotion of democratic values.</p></abstract>
<kwd-group kwd-group-type="author-generated">
<kwd>smart card reader</kwd>
<kwd>technology</kwd>
<kwd>digital tools</kwd>
<kwd>election</kwd>
<kwd>electoral process</kwd>
<kwd>democracy.</kwd>
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<p>The track records of elections in Nigeria have continued to generate mixed feelings. Many political observers remain sceptical about the appropriateness and ultimate utility of digital tools in the conduct of elections in the country. It is no gainsaying that one of the key elements for the sustenance of democracy is digital tools technology. Taking a stroll down the electoral process of Nigeria since 1999, it can be noted that elections have been characterised by electoral malpractices and violence. The recent introduction of the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) has a great impact on the 2015 general elections and the consolidation of democracy across the country. For instance, the card reader facilities and its security monitoring operating system provide password restricted access to store data with specific playback for criminal investigation and its impact on the 2015 general elections. This paper therefore takes a critical look at the use of the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) as it affects Nigeriaâ€™s move towards a viable electoral system and the promotion of democratic values. The paper further argues that the usage of the Card Reader enhances the credibility of general elections in Nigeria. Nevertheless there are some peculiar factors that stringently inhibit its manifestations in the 2015 general elections in Nigeria.</p>
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