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ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between innovative technology for improved citizens participation in the electoral process in Edo state. Some questions asked are, has there been any deliberate attempt by the Edo state government to encourage innovation in the Nigerian electoral system? Has innovation led to the deepening or growth of true democratic principles in the Edo state electoral system? Have the new digital/social media networks contributed to the growth of participatory democracy in Edo state? Will the advent of ICT and social media in the Nigerian political landscape further drive social change in Edo state?. This Research used questionnaires to extract primary data from 80 respondents. The chi-square analytical tool was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study states that there is a significant relationship between the deliberate use of innovative technology and improved citizens participation in the electoral process in Edo state, there is an insignificant relationship between innovation and the growth of true democratic principles in Edo state, there is a significant relationship between digital and social media networks and growth of participatory democracy in Edo state andthere is a significant relationship between the advent of ICT/social media and improved social change in Edo state. In this study it was concluded that that technology can enhance innovations in the electoral process of Edo state. The study recommends that Innovative technology should be adopted and improved in order to attract more participation in the electoral process from citizens in Edo state. There should be a periodic review of innovative ideas that could improve on the electoral activities and processes, in order to administer the democratic principles in Edo state. Social media should be used as a purposive tool to promote the importance of participating in the electoral process in order to enhance the growth of participatory democracy. There should be more investments in information and technology by electoral bodies in order to increase participatory democracy in Edo state.
