Digital Electoral Reforms and Democratic Consolidation: A Critical Assessment of BVAS and IReV in the 2023 Nigerian General Elections

Abstract

This study critically examines the implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, assessing their effectiveness in promoting electoral credibility and democratic consolidation. Anchored on Democratic Consolidation Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The study employs a qualitative research design combining participant observation, media analysis, expert commentary, and secondary data sources. Findings reveal that while BVAS and IReV represented technological milestones, their deployment was undermined by institutional weaknesses, political interference, inadequate training, and compromised transparency. Although the technologies succeeded in reducing some electoral malpractices, challenges such as BVAS malfunction, irregular accreditation, delayed or falsified uploads to IReV, and systemic political violence significantly affected the quality and perception of the elections. The study concludes that technological innovations alone cannot guarantee electoral credibility without simultaneous reforms in political culture, institutional independence, and democratic values.