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Electoral Management Bodies and Electoral Credibility: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and South Africa (2014-2024)

Wariowei Ernest Timidi, Jacob Ogedi PhD

Abstract

This study titled, Electoral Management Bodies and Electoral Credibility: A comparative study of Nigeria and South Africa, examined the relationship between Electoral Management Body performance and electoral credibility in Nigeria and South Africa. Specifically, the objectives were to: (i) investigate how political factors mediate the linkage between EMB performance and electoral credibility, and (ii) ascertain how EMB performance before, during, and after elections differs between Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission and South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission , and how these variations shape real-time and immediate post-election credibility assessments by domestic and international observers. Anchored in New Institutionalism and Principal-Agent Theories, the study utilized a comparative case study approach, documentary analysis of official reports, academic literature, and interviews. Results indicated that in Nigeria, INEC’s weak autonomy, resource constraints, and ethnic political dynamics limit the credibility benefits of technical or procedural reforms, producing episodic trust and frequent contestation. In contrast, South Africa’s IEC benefits from constitutional protection, multiparty appointments, and robust oversight, supporting consistent, cumulative credibility even when challenges arise. Analysis of election phases showed that registration, voting, and results management are shaped by both structural context and immediate execution, with transparency and stakeholder engagement critical for perceived legitimacy. The study concluded that robust institutional safeguards, transparent operations, and inclusive oversight mechanisms are vital for sustained credibility. It recommended legal reforms to EMB appointment and funding, enhanced civic engagement, and routine, enforceable transparency as pathways to building and consolidating trust in electoral processes.

Keywords

Election managementcredibilityinstitutional theoryNigeriaSouth Africa P-ISSN 2695 2416

References

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