Elections

Meaning of Election:

Election is defined as the act of choosing candidates to represent the people of a given country in the parliament, the executive and possibly into other areas of government as stipulated in the constitution of that country. For example in U.S.A, judges of the lower courts are elected.

Types of Election

1. Direct election: It involves the voters casting their votes directly in a political election for candidates of their choice and that will represent them either in the executive or legislature without interference.

Merits of Direct Election

1. Restoration of voters’ rights.
2. It is democratic.
3. iii.  Gives electorate equality of votes in the system.
4. It reflects the popular choice of the people.
5. It enhances dedication and hard work.
6. It is simple to operate.
7. vii.  Creates opportunity for people to know their prospective representatives.

Demerits of Direct Election

1. Illiterates usually vote wrongly because they cannot identify party symbols and names.
2. Problems of rigging during elections.
3. Use of corrupt electoral officers.
4. Poor turnout of voters is not a true reflection of those that registered.
5. It can encourage violence, victimisation, etc.

1. Indirect election: It is a system whereby the legislators or local government units will form the body known as Electoral College. They will have to vote for the candidates of their choice as a result of the failure of the general elections to produce elected candidates.

Merits of Indirect Election

1. The best qualified candidates are allowed to vote.
2. It produces less violence during election.
3. The candidates are well informed before voting.
4. The opportunity of rigging is partially absent.
5. It is not as expensive as direct election.

Demerits of Indirect Election

1. It does not allow ordinary citizens to elect their leaders directly.
2. There is room for bribery and corruption.
3. It is undemocratic.
4. Dishonest leaders are enthroned.
5. Members of the electoral college are imposed on the people.
6. There is victimisation among the members.
7. Other types of election are: By-election, run-off election or second ballot, primary election and referendum.

Purpose of Election

1. There is change in government which makes it easier for the people to remove a bad government.
2. It gives elected representatives the legitimate right to rule.
3. The people have the free choice of choosing leaders.
4. It ensures control and accountability.
5. It fosters democracy.
6. Electorates are educated about their rights.
7. Election enhances equality of citizens’ votes.

Demerits of Election

1. Elections can divide the country into rivalry groups.
2. Division of the country for election purpose can cause disunity.
3. A lot of money and materials are wasted in conducting elections.
4. Rigging may put people of dubious intentions into the government.
5. The party in government may decide not to assist areas that did not vote or support them during elections.
6. Competent and experienced personnel may not be used in the administration.

Organization of Election:

The parties involved must be well organized and have members throughout the federation. Like one national chairman throughout the federation and they must speak with one voice before the public.

Conditions Necessary for the Conduct of a Free and Fair Election

A ‘free’ electoral process is one where fundamental human rights and freedoms are respected. These include:

• Freedom of speech and expression by electors, parties, candidates and the media
• Freedom of association; that is, freedom to form organizations such as political parties and NGOs
• Freedom of assembly, to hold political rallies and to campaign
• Freedom of access to and by electors to transmit and receive political and electoral messages
• Freedom to register as an elector, a party or a candidate
• Freedom from violence, intimidation or coercion
• Freedom of access to the polls by electors, party agents and accredited observers
• Freedom to exercise the franchise in secret and
• Freedom to question, challenge and register complains or objections without negative repercussions.

A ‘fair’ electoral process is one where the ‘playing field’ is reasonably level and accessible to all electors, parties and candidates, and includes:

• An independent, non partisan electoral organization to administer the process
• Guaranteed rights and protection through the constitution and electoral legislation and regulations
• Equitable representation of electors provided through the legislation
• Clearly defined universal suffrage and secrecy of the vote
• Equitable and balanced reporting in the media, and equal access to public media
• Equitable opportunity for the electorate to receive political and voter information
• Equitable treatment of electors, candidates and parties by election officials, the government, police, military and the judiciary
• Open and transparent ballot counting process, and
• Election process not disrupted by violence, intimidation or coercion.

SUFFRAGE

MEANING:
Suffrage (Political Franchise) is the right to vote gained through the democratic process. The right to run for office is sometimes called candidate eligibility, and the combination of both rights is sometimes called full suffrage.

TYPES OF SUFFRAGE

1. Adult Suffrage: This involves voting of adults (male and female)
   2. Male Suffrage: This is a system where only males vote
   3. Women’s Suffrage: This is the right of women to vote and to stand for electoral office
   4. Tax payers Suffrage: Those who have been paying their taxes constantly can only vote
   5. Property Suffrage: Those with enormous assets and wealth are allowed to vote

Exercise

1. Describe the basic features of elections.
2. Examine the merits and demerits of direct elections.
3. Explain the characteristics of indirect elections.
4. Outline the conditions necessary for the conduct of a free and fair election.
5. (a) What is suffrage (b) Highlight the types of suffrage