Political Parties and Electoral Administration in Nigeria and Ghana: Exploring the Nexus, 2015-2024

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between political parties and electoral administration in Nigeria and Ghana between 2015 and 2024, employing a comparative research design. A mixed-methods approach was utilized. The sample size consisted of 384 respondents from each country, selected using stratified random sampling. Data analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative techniques. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. The study was anchored by the theory of democratic consolidation to unravel the nexus between political parties and electoral administration. Findings revealed significant variations in the nexus between political parties and electoral administration in both countries. In Nigeria, political party influence is a powerful and often intrusive force within the electoral system. In stark contrast, Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) enjoys a higher degree of independence from political parties. While Ghanaian political parties are actively involved in the electoral process, they engage more through advocacy, public dialogue, and voter mobilisation than through attempts to directly influence electoral decisions. The study recommends among others, that both countries need to focus on enhancing transparency, fostering greater political accountability, and strengthening the independence of electoral commissions, building strong institutional collaboration also entails promoting public involvement in the electoral process.