Towards improved adoption of e-voting: analysis of the case of Nigeria

Abstract

The adoption of e-voting in different parts of the world has been generally problematic, with only few exceptions. Past studies also suggest that e-voting is embedded in the socio-politically context informing variations in the adoption patterns and nature of challenges faced during implementation. While few survey-based empirical studies have been carried out to better understand factors affecting successful adoption of e-voting, there is general paucity of ethnographic studies and analysis providing detailed insights to e-voting adoption in specific contexts. This study offers such ethnography through in-depth analysis of e-voting adoption in the 2011 Nigerian General Elections. Using a multi-level Innovation Adoption Framework as a theoretical lens, we analyze the observations made by one of the authors as a participant in the adoption and implementation of the e-voting initiative as well as the post-election reports. Results from analysis revealed core factors for the different levels of e-voting adoption constructs - socio-political context, organizations, innovation and individual. Results also identified factors and challenges that may negatively impact e-voting adoption.