The Role of Credible Election In Consolidation Of Democracy In Nigeria
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Abstract
This abstract explores the significant role that credible elections play in the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Democracy is a fundamental pillar of modern governance, providing citizens with the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes and ensuring accountability and transparency in the exercise of political power. However, the journey towards a consolidated democracy is often challenged by various factors, including electoral irregularities, voter apathy, and lack of trust in the electoral process. This paper highlights the importance of credible elections as a critical catalyst for democracy consolidation in Nigeria. Credible elections are characterized by fairness, transparency, inclusivity, and integrity throughout the electoral cycle, from pre-election activities to the announcement of results. Such elections foster confidence among citizens and political actors, ensuring the legitimacy of elected representatives and institutions. Through credible elections, Nigeria can achieve several outcomes that contribute to the consolidation of democracy. First, credible elections facilitate the peaceful transfer of power, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights and elect leaders of their choice. This promotes stability and prevents political instability and conflicts that can undermine democratic progress. Second, credible elections enhance political participation and citizen engagement. When individuals trust that their votes will be counted and that their voices matter, they are more likely to actively participate in the electoral process, including voter registration, campaigning, and casting their ballots. This increased participation fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among citizens, strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation. Furthermore, credible elections contribute to the development of robust democratic institutions. Independent electoral bodies, effective electoral laws, and an impartial judiciary are essential components of credible elections. By promoting and upholding these institutions’ integrity, Nigeria can establish a framework that supports free and fair elections, ensuring the rule of law and democratic principles. To consolidate democracy in Nigeria, it is crucial to address the challenges that undermine the credibility of elections. This requires comprehensive electoral reforms, including strengthening electoral laws, enhancing transparency in campaign financing, promoting voter education and awareness, and improving the professionalism and neutrality of electoral management bodies. In conclusion, credible elections play a pivotal role in the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. They foster political stability, citizen engagement, and the development of strong democratic institutions. By prioritizing the conduct of credible elections and undertaking necessary reforms, Nigeria can further strengthen its democratic system, ensuring the representation and empowerment of its citizens.
Contents
CHAPTER ONE. 2
1.1 Introduction. 2
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem.. 3
1.3 Research Questions. 6
1.4 Research Objectives. 6
1.5 Assumptions of the Study. 6
1.6 Significance of the Study. 7
1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study. 7
1.8 Research Methodology. 8
1.9 Population of the Study. 9
1.10 Sample Size and Sampling Technique. 9
1.11 Source of Data. 9
1.12 Primary source. 9
1.13Secondary Source: 9
1.14 Method of Data Collection. 9
1.15 Validity of instrument. 10
1.16 Method of Data Analysis. 10
1.17 Arrangement of chapters. 10
1.18 Definition of key terms. 11
CHAPTER TWO.. 12
LITERATURE REVIEW… 12
2.1.1 Concept of Election. 12
2.1.2 Concept of Democracy. 16
2.1.3 Nexus between Election and Democracy. 19
2.1.4 The impact of election on Democracy. 20
CHAPTER THREE. 24
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.. 24
3.0 Introduction. 24
3.1 Research Design. 24
3.2 Population of the Study. 24
3.3 Area of Study. 25
3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques. 25
3.5 Validity and Reliability of Instrument 26
3.6 Sources of Data Collection. 27
3.7 Research Instrument for Data Collection. 27
3.7.1 Questionnaires:- 27
3.7.2 Oral Interview.. 27
3.8 Methods of Data Analysis. 28
CHAPTER 4. 29
4.1.1 PRESENTATION OF DATA AND DISCUSSION.. 29
4.1.2 ANALYSIS OF DATA ON CREDIBLE ELECTION.. 32
4.1.3: METHODS AND STUDY AREA.. 33
4.1.4 DISCUSSIONS AND FINDINGS. 37
CHAPTER FIVE. 43
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.. 43
5.1 SUMMARIZATION.. 43
- 2 RECOMMENTATION.. 46
5.1.3 CONCLUSION.. 47
REFERENCES. 50
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction
The concept of democracy was based on the maxim contained in the American Declaration of Independence from British rule that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights by their creator. Datum (2007). According to this laudable concept, government exists to secure these rights, and governments must derive their powers from the consent of the governed. What that translates into is that the votes of the electorate must count for the electoral system to be credible.
For democracy to be meaningful, it must have positive impact on the people. Since in democracy the government derives its legitimacy from the people, the founding fathers of American democracy decided that political campaigns and regular elections were the perfect ways to determine the will of the people. “To truly determine the will of the people, elections must be free, open and transparent and without coercion or corruption. It must not be elections where the will of the people is kidnapped or bought by the highest bidder. The free will of the people must be determined and obeyed if you would have a true democracy”. In Nigeria today, there is danger in our democracy as the will of the people is always manipulated and pushed aside in the quest for power and selfish interest. This is evidenced in proven cases of vote buying, election rigging, ballot box snatching and other forms of electoral malpractices.
The electoral process has been over-monetized to the extent that results announced after elections very often did not the choice of the people There is no doubt that the best way to restore the people’s confidence in the electoral system and democracy is by creating and enabling environment for a free, fair and credible elections. But this enabling environment has eluded Nigeria since the inception of its democratic structures. Democracy means nothing if the people do not vote or if their votes don’t count. The most significant challenge to democratic consolidation in Nigeria involves the development of effective strategies for strengthening institutions of state in such a manner that they will be able to withstand the shocks of the democratic process.
This challenge is particularly important for institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary. The politicians on their part have not shown respect for democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Duru (2002) corroborates the above view when he asserted, “What happens is those politicians, conscious of the value of the spoils of office, adopt various means to ensure that they capture power. They buy votes, rig elections and commit other infidelities designed to subvert the people’s will to choose leaders capable of leading the state towards development and enduring democracy”. This paper will among other things as stated in the abstract address the moral question in relation to elections and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
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