Free and fair election and electoral malpractice

Over the years, electoral malpractices have been a major problems confronting the country.  Nigeria. Hence, the need for free and fair elections in Nigeria.

1. The free and fair election is inevitable because it enhances peaceful co-existence of people in a country.
2. It allows for visionary and dedicated leaders to emerge at all level in the country that will contribute positively to the growth and development of the country.
3. The need to project the country’s name in the international community across the globe.
4. Free and fair election helps to strengthen the democratic institution such as Legislature, Independent National Electoral commission, Judiciary, press etc.
5. It foster democracy.

Evaluation

See your work book for exercise.

Sub Topic:

Forms of Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria.

1. Compilation of fictitious names
2. Illegal compilation of separate voter’s list.
3. Falsification of election figures.
4. Abuse of voter’s list exercise
5. Allowing under age to vote
6. Harassment, intimidation and victimization of candidates, agents and voters.
7. Manipulation of the process by the ruling party
8. Corruption and bias at various election tribunals

Causes of Electoral Malpractices

One of the causes of Electoral Malpractice in Nigeria is to perpetuate one ethnic group or party in office at the detriment of other ethnic groups.  This is done primarily for selfish and parochial interest i.e.

Ethnic/Cultural Hegemony in office forever.  This has been the bane of Nigeria political scene since independence.

No thanks to PDP that wanted to impose itself on the populace since May 29^th 1999.  Thanks to coming to power of Buhari.  APC led government in 2015 April election in the presidential election.

Long years of Military rule in Nigeria coupled with external influence are traceable factors to electoral malpractice in Nigeria.

WAYS OF PREVENTING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES IN NIGERIA

1. There should be proper delimitation of constituency on equal population basis to give room for equal representation.
2. The electoral body must be a true independent body and non-partisan
3. The electoral commission must take make proper compilation of names of eligible voter’s list.
4. The voter’s registers must be displayed to remove dead one’s name and as well include qualified ones
5. Proper and adequate security must be put in place to create conducive atmosphere for electorates to exercise their voting rights.

Evaluation

see your work book for exercise.