LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS AND DEMOCRACY IN ENUGU STATE

Abstract

The study examined the local government elections and democracy in Enugu State. The specific objectives of the study was to: assess the extent to which local government elections in Enugu State adhere to democratic principles; examine the role of political parties and state institutions in influencing local government elections in Enugu State and their implications for democratic governance; and analyze voter participation and electoral integrity in local government elections in Enugu State. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 968,300. The sample size of 369 was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, and mean scores) was used to summarize responses, while inferential statistics was used to test relationships between variables. Findings reveal that local government elections in Enugu State have not fully adhered to democratic principles, that political parties and state institutions significantly influence local government elections in Enugu State and that political awareness, electoral transparency, security conditions, and voter mobilization significantly influence voter participation in Enugu State.  The study concluded that local government elections are a fundamental pillar of democracy, ensuring grassroots representation and governance. The study recommended that the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) should be restructured to enhance transparency and autonomy. Strengthening legal frameworks, ensuring impartiality in electoral administration, and preventing political interference will promote free, fair, and credible local government elections