A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ELECTORAL REFORMS AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA AND GHANA, 2010 – 2015.

ABSTRACT

The study compares electoral reforms and their implications on democratization in Nigeria and Ghana: in the light of the trends of knowledge on comparative African democratization, where Ghana is largely seen to be consolidated unlike Nigeria; and which had not taken into cognisance the electoral developments in Nigeria between 2010 and 2015. Extent Literature on comparative African democratization, while not being updated as observed, also had not contextualised electoral reforms and democratization in Nigeria and Ghana, between 2010 and 2015. While being guide by the propositions of systems theory and employs secondary method of data collection, the study utilises the descriptive method of content analysis in validating the research hypotheses. Having known that the democratizing process offers opportunities for electoral reforms to correct observed weaknesses and improve the effectiveness of electoral administration in the governance of the state, we recommend that democratic space should be maintain for viable opposition, which only enhance political power alternation and competitive party politics.