Impact of BVAS on Electoral Transparency and Voter Confidence in Selected LGAs in 2023 Enugu State House of Assembly Elections

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in ensuring 
electoral transparency and building voters' confidence in the Nigerian electoral process. It uses 
the 2023 State House of Assembly election in Nsukka, Udenu, Nkanu-East, and Udi LGAs of Enugu 
State as a reference case. BVAS, introduced by Nigeria's Independent National Electoral 
Commission (INEC), is designed to authenticate voters through biometric verification and 
facilitate real-time transmission of election results. A structured questionnaire and interview were 
used as data collection instruments. The questionnaire was administered to a representative 
sample (400) of voters across the selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Enugu State to 
ascertain their experiences and perceptions of BVAS. Twelve INEC staff members and two voters 
from the study areas were interviewed. The study utilised technology theory as its theoretical 
framework of analysis. The results indicate that the majority of respondents perceived BVAS as 
enhancing the transparency of the electoral process and bolstering their confidence in election 
outcomes. However, challenges such as technical glitches and inadequate training of electoral 
officials were identified as impediments to the system's optimal performance. The study 
recommends, among other things, targeted training programmes for electoral staff and 
infrastructure improvements to maximise BVAS's efficacy in future elections, thereby 
strengthening democratic processes in Nigeria. The findings underscore the efficacy of BVAS in 
enhancing electoral transparency and confidence among voters.