Summer Term Week 2

Electoral Processes
Election can be defined as the process of choosing a leader, member of
Parliament, councillors, or other representatives by popular vote.

Electoral process refers to the way in which the people known as electorate
of a country vote in those who will represent them in various positions of
government.

Functions Of Election
1. Election helps to enhance accountability in government. elections compel the
representatives to implement policies and programs that meet the yearning and
aspirations of people.

2. Election helps to affect changes in government thereby ensuring continuity in

government.

3. It helps to back the ruling of those in government with legitimacy thereby making
it lawful for them to exercise the authority on behalf of the citizenry.

4. Election helps to choose political leaders that can pilot the affairs of the country on
behalf of the masses.

5. It helps to test popularity of political leaders and political parties that operate
within a political system.

6. It provides opportunity for people to exercise their political rights thereby

accelerating the rate of political participation.
7. Election helps to check government assesses as dictatorial tendencies could easily
be checked.

Types Of Election
Direct Election
This is the type of election where the citizens vote for those that will represent
them in government without allowing other people or representatives to vote
on their behalf.

Merits Of Direct Election

1. Direct elections help voters to be acquainted with their representatives.

2. It boosts the practice of representative government.

3. direct election raises the consciousness of the electorate especially if they are
involved in the direct elections of their leaders.

4. It is not prone to easy manipulation as all the voters cannot be easily bought over
as is often the case in indirect election.

5. It helps the people to elect leaders of their choice.

6. Direct election is very democratic.

Demerits Of Direct Elections

1. The electorate may not properly scrutinised the candidates before they vote.

2. It is very expensive to conduct. this is because ballot papers polling booths that
will ensure the smoothness of the election need to be constructed.
3. There is always problem of organising people. This has often led to disorderliness
in the conduct of elections.

4. Since more enlightened voters do not participate in voting as in indirect elections it

could lead to election of less popular candidates.

5. Direct election is prone to violence and thuggery.

Indirect Election
Indirect election is the kind of election whereby eligible voters elect
representatives who would in turn elect the leaders on behalf of the people.
the real election is done by members of the electoral college which is a body
of eligible voters that are given the privilege of electing people’s
representatives.

Merits Of Indirect Elections

Indirect election help in the election of policy leaders.
indirect method of election is cheaper to operate because the number of
voters is usually fewer compared to direct elections .

since the members of the electoral college are always enlightened there is
tendency for electoral fraud to be reduced.
There is orderliness in conduct of indirect election.
indirect election enhances administrative efficiency in government because
positions in government are filled with matured and qualified candidates.
Demerits Of Indirect Elections
Indirect election encourages bribery and corruption because members of the
electoral college can easily be induced.
Indirect election leads to disenfranchisement of majority of voters.
It discourages political participation.
The representatives seem to be imposed on the people.

By-election
By-election is an election conducted to fill a vacancy caused by resignation,
death etc. of a member of Parliament.

Primary Election
primary election refers to the type of election conducted for candidates from
the same party wishing to contest election in the same constituency. This is
done prior to general elections.

Referendum
This is an act of referring important political matters like creation of states
alteration of constitution etc. To the electorate for decision or approval.
Plebiscites
Plebiscite is a system in which everyone in a country vote to decide an issue
of national importance. It is a “yes” or “no” to answer a national question of
importance.
Runoff election: this type of election is conducted to decide a winner and after
the first election failed to produce a winner with absolute majority. This
election is called second ballot.

General Elections
General election is conducted among various political parties in a country in
order to elect representatives of people into some government positions and
offices at different levels within a given period.

Electoral College
An electoral college is a group of persons chosen by the vote of people to
elect a leader or leaders into political offices. They can perform the role of the
entire electorate especially if a general election is not able to produce a winner
through absolute majority. For instance in Nigeria, elected members of the
National assembly can serve as an electoral college to elect the president.
This type of election is advantageous in the sense that elections can easily be
organised at less cost but it’s disadvantage is that it can easily be manipulated
through bribery and corruption because members of the electoral college are
few.
Summer Term Week 3

Organization of Election and SUFFRAGE

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:

1. Freedom of speech and expression by electors, parties, candidates and

the media
2. Freedom of association; that is, freedom to form organizations such as
political parties and NGOs
3. Freedom of assembly, to hold political rallies and to campaign
4. Freedom of access to and by electors to transmit and receive political
and electoral messages
5. Freedom to register as an elector, a party or a candidate
6. Freedom from violence, intimidation or coercion
7. Freedom of access to the polls by electors, party agents and accredited
observers
8. Freedom to exercise the franchise in secret and
9. 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:

1. An independent, non partisan electoral organization to administer the

process
2. Guaranteed rights and protection through the constitution and electoral
legislation and regulations
3. Equitable representation of electors provided through the legislation
4. Clearly defined universal suffrage and secrecy of the vote
5. Equitable and balanced reporting in the media, and equal access to
public media
 6. Equitable opportunity for the electorate to receive political and voter
information
7. Equitable treatment of electors, candidates and parties by election
officials, the government, police, military and the judiciary
8. Open and transparent ballot counting process, and
9. 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

Summer Term Week 4

Electoral system
An electoral system may be defined as a process or method through which the people of a
given country elect their representatives into different political offices or positions
in government. It also includes the conditions and processes for the nomination of candidates
for elective posts including procedure and rules of election.
TYPES OF ELECTORAL SYSTEM

1. Single-member Constituency and Single vote: This system is referred to as “first past
the post” or simple majority system. A candidate who has the highest number of votes
cast win the election, Britain, USA, Canada e.t.c. are examples of this system
2. Single Member and Second ballot: Failure of any candidate to receive absolute
majority at the first ballot, a second one is held with the weaker candidates either
choosing or being required to retire e.g France
3. Single member with Preferential vote: This system allows the electorate to place the
candidate in order of preference. The votes of the weaker candidates being distributed
to the stronger ones according to second, third e.t.c
4. Proportional Representation: The essence of proportional representation is to allocate
seats in proportion to the votes cast in multi-member constituencies. There are two
types of proportional representative. These are:

1. The List System: The electorate votes for a list of candidates presented by a political
party and each party wins the number of seats in that party list.
2. Single Transferable vote: All the candidates in a multi-member constituency are
marked in order of preference by the voters. After counting the votes, an electoral
quota is established i.e. the minimum number of votes needed by a candidate to win
one of the seat, the surplus votes are redistributed to other candidates according to the
voters of preference

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ELECTORAL SYSTEM

1. An independent and impartial electoral body should be put in place

2. There should be regular or periodic elections as stipulated in the constitution. This
will help to eliminate any president who intends to perpetuate himself in power
3. It is important for the delimitation of the country into constituencies
4. Qualified adult citizens should exercise their right of voting
5. Without fear of molestation, intimidation and victimization voting should be
conducted
6. Counting of votes: This should be made public and with immediate release of results
7. The people should be properly educated about their political rights, elections and
about the political system e.t.c

MERITS OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION

1. Proportional Representation: The proper consideration of each vote cast, making the
notion ‘one man, one vote, one value’ a reality.
2. It is democratic
3. Equal Right: proportional representative permits all seat to be given equal weight
4. It is a truly representative government: the system ensures a truly
representative government
5. It permits free expression of individual opinion
DEMERITS OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION

1. Weak Government: Since each state or party is represented according to its

population, a weak government may be produced
2. Proportional Representation is based on false assumption
3. It is difficult and seen as a complex electoral system
4. Many splinter groups may emerge in the system
5. It reduces party discipline

PLURALITY SYSTEM: This is also referred to as ‘first past the post’ or simple majority
system. In this system, the candidate who scores the highest number of votes is deemed
elected.
MERITS OF PLURALITY SYSTEM

1. It enables a voter to vote directly for or against a particular candidate,

party or policy
2. The procedure is simple and it appeals to both literate and illiterate
electorate
3. It produces a winner after the first ballot
4. It is economical because it saves money, time and energy e.t.c

DISADVANTAGES OF PLURALITY SYSTEM

1. There may be possibility of rigging

2. The system does not produce result that reflect the wishes of the
majority
3. The system may enthrone a government that is not popular

SECOND BALLOT SYSTEM: This system involves two ballot (elections) at the first
instance the successful candidate is required to obtain an absolute majority of the vote
cast(50 percent plus one). If this is not obtained by any of the candidate a second ballot
is required and those having low results will be eliminated. And the winning candidate is
required to obtain the single majority.
THE ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM: In this system each voter is given the permission to
indicate the choice of candidates in order of preference i.e 1 st, 2nd and 3rd and if there’s no
absolute majority the candidate who scored least can be dropped and is vote distributed
to other candidate according to the second preference of the voters
ABSOLUTE MAJORITY SYSTEM: In this system a candidate must score more than
half of the votes cast before he can be declared the winner
ADVANTAGES OF ABSOLUTE MAJORITY SYSTEM
 1. It is reflection of the wishes of the people
2. There’s no room for unpopular candidate
3. It produces credible candidates

DISADVANTAGES

1. It is expensive and time consuming

2. It encourages rigging of result

ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Electoral commission is a body responsible for organizing and conducting elections in a
political system. It can also be seen as an independent and impartial body responsible
for conducting and organizing all elections in a given country. It has the chairman as the
head and other members of the commission. In Nigeria for example, FEDECO was the
commission responsible for the 1979/83 second republic elections, NEC was
responsible for the conduct of the third republics election which was aborted while INEC
conducted the 1998/1999 general elections for the fourth republic and till date.

Functions of an Electoral Commission

1. It registers political parties according to laid down rules and regulations.

2. It has the sole power to organize free and fair election in a country.
3. Eligible voters are registered by the commission.
4. The body makes provision for necessary materials needed for
elections.
5. It does the appointment and training of electoral officers.
6. The commission gives financial grants to political parties.
7. They enlighten the electorates about issues involved in elections.
8. The commission provides adequate security at the polling stations.

Roles of Various Electoral Officers

1. Conduct elections
2. Registration of Voters
3. Constituency delimitation (division of constituencies)
4. Supervision of erection of polling booths
5. Appointment of presiding and returning officers
6. Registration of political parties
7. Compilation of voters register
8. Screening and registration of political aspirants, (candidate) who will
contest the general election from each of the political parties
9. Provision of Security on the day of the election
 10. Disqualification of certain people from contesting and voting
11. Announcement of the election result immediately after the
election (declaration of winners)
12. Verification of Claims made by political parties for purposes of
registration and issuing clearance certificates to certain category of
political aspirants or contestants.

Summer Term Week One

The Meaning of Party System

Party system refers to the number of parties that compete for power and consequent
control of governmental machinery in a polity. The entire group of parties in a country
forms the political party system. The party system reflects the pattern of relationships
between individual parties in relation to each other. For instance PDP, SDP, APC, LP
etc. forms a party system. The party and electoral laws also exercise considerable
influence on the configuration of the party system depending on how liberal and free or
restrictive the creation of new parties have been laid out and if the electoral system
facilitates the representation of a larger number of parties in the parliament or not. Yet, in
pre-democratic times the existence of one party provoked at least the emergence of
another party. Throughout history, party systems have in principle developed along
social and/or ideological lines of conflict. Party systems can be classified by different
criteria. Most frequently it is the number of parties that are fighting for power that serves
as the criteria for the description of a party system. In this way, one can differentiate one,
two and multi-party systems.
Meaning of Manifesto
A manifesto is usually a blueprint of what a political party intends to do if and when it is
elected into office.

The Difference between Political Parties and Party System

Political parties are organized group of citizens, who act together as a political unit,
having distinctive aims and objectives involving political questions in the state and acting
together and wishing to get control of government whereas party system is the conduct
of government based on the number of political parties within the system.
Types of Party System
At the moment three party systems can be identified. They are one party system as
represented by Tanzania, Egypt and Spain, two- or bi-party system as represented by
the United States of America and Britain and multi-party system as represented by
Norway, Sweden and Nigeria.

One-Party System
Meaning of One-Party System
A one-party system is that in which only one political party exists and the forming of
other political parties is forbidden. That is to say only one party is recognized by the
constitution of the country. The formation of any other party in such system is not only
prohibited but are also illegal. Though some countries have many political parties that
exist, but only one that can by law be in control, which is called a one-party dominant
state. For example, in China all power is vested in the Communist Party of China. Other
parties are allowed to exist only if they accept the leading role of the Communist Party.

As of April 2015, there are seven states that are ruled by a single party:

1. China
2. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
3. Vietnam
4. Laos
5. Cuba
6. Eritrea
7. Western Sahara

One party system may be defined as a political arrangement in which only one political
party is legally and constitutionally allowed to operate. One or single party system
operates better in a smaller and non-multicultural society. Some African countries like
Nkrumah’s Ghana. Guinea under Ahmed Toure, Kenyatta’s Kenya, Zaire, Tanzania,
Zambia, etc. Have at one time or the other operated one party system.
Types of One-Party System
One party system is of two types:

1. De jure one party system

2. De facto one party system
De Jure One-Party System
This is one party system in which only one political party is legally and constitutionally
allowed to operate. This system is practiced in Russia, China, Cuba, Malawi etc.

De Facto One-Party System

This type of one-party system exists where there is no legal or constitutional prohibitions
on other parties to exist rather the competing political parties are gradually eliminated
from functioning through the electoral processes for example Senegal under Leopold
Sedar Senghor with union Progressiste Senegalaise as the dominant political party
despite the presence of other weak parties.

Characteristics of One-Party System

1. There is one officially recognized party. Only one party exist legally.
2. Dependent mass-media: No private individual is allowed to run a private
media outfit.
3. Single ideology: The recognized party determines the political ideology
of the country.
4. No opposition party: There is no vacuum for opposition party.
5. It is vulnerable to arbitrary rule (dictatorship). This system is open to
dictatorial tendencies.
6. The constitution makes provision for a single party. Only one party is
constitutionally recognized.
7. The oppression of political competition and democratic freedom

Merits of One-Party System

1. It helps in the establishment of stable administration which further helps

in the progress of the country.
2. In this system, formation and execution of long-term planning is
possible.
3. There is absence of unhealthy rivalry.
4. The administration becomes efficient because all the powers are
concentrated in the hands of one leader and there favouritism,
nepotism and black-marketing are banished altogether.
5. There is a unity and discipline in the country.
6. Time is not wasted in unnecessary criticism and propaganda.
7. It makes for strong leadership because all the political powers are
concentrated on a single individual.
Demerits of One-Party System

1. Since there is only one party in this system, there is no freedom of

expression.
2. Democracy is eroded and dictatorship emerges.
3. There is no regard for the views of different classes and interests.
4. The Government becomes absolute and the administration becomes
irresponsible.
5. The development of the personality is hindered because all social
freedoms are crushed.
6. In this system there is an overbearing influence of terrorism, and the
opponents are crushed with a heavy hand.
7. The dictators make enormous military preparations for maintaining their
honor and position, and they adopt the policy of war and victory which
is quite harmful for the country.
8. The government controls all the medium of communication in the
country.

Two-Party System
Two-party system may be in two forms:

1. It may be that only two parties are officially and legally allowed to exist.
The United States is an example of a two-party system in which the
majority of elected officials are either Democrats or Republicans.
2. It may be that over time only two parties have emerged to be dominant
parties and have the chance of winning the election out of a number of
parties that are existing e.g. Britain. This means there may be more
than two parties in existence.

Characteristics of Two-Party System

1. There are only two dominant political parties that are legally and
constitutionally recognized. However, there may be numerous parties
competing for electoral positions.
2. Opposition party is officially recognized.
3. There is room and opportunity for choice of candidates and parties.
4. It allows for application of democratic principles.
5. It provide vacuum for press freedom
6. There is room for change in government because there is provision for
periodic elections.
7. The opposition party is seen as a corrective party in government. It act
as checks and balance to the incumbent leader.
Merits of Two-Party System

1. It promotes political instability.

2. Strong opposition exist which may prevent dictatorship
3. Election is more meaningful than one party system since there are
alternative candidates and programmes.
4. There is wider political education than that of one party system.
5. It promotes popular government.
6. The government is more responsible and accountable than one party
system, since it can be rejected in the next election.
7. The principle of rule of law is enhanced in two party system since ideas
and freedom of association is permitted, and everybody is equal before
the law.
8. Competition which can bring out the best political programmes for the
people is a major plus for two-party system.
9. Two-party systems encourage political participation. As a democratic
and diverse nation, there is room for citizens to express different
opinions and take part in their own governing by way of the political
system. Unlike the one-party system in China where only the
Communist Party is permitted to take part in government, the citizens
participate in government by casting their votes at the polls.

Demerits of Two-Party System

1. The two- party system may lead to unhealthy political rivalry even to the
extent of rigging of elections and violence
2. Two party system usually divides the people into two opposing forces
which breeds violence.
3. In terms of cost of operation, the two party system is relatively more -
expensive than the one party system.
4. Also the interest of minority groups are not catered for in the two par-ty
system, therefore it strangulates democracy.
5. The two party system can degenerates into dictatorship. If one party
becomes too powerful.
6. Quick decision on policy matters is not easily reached on time, since
opposition is present to argue and delay decision making.

Multi-Party System
Meaning of Multi-Party System
This is a system where more than two parties compete for the control of power in a
political system. That is to say it a system in which there are more than two political
parties which are legally and constitutionally recognized to operate in a country. There
can be numerous party. Sometimes some of the multi-party combines and cooperate in
an election to fight a common enemy. Thus, in a “multi-party system”, more than two
parties have an effect on the political competition. Examples of countries with the multi-
party system are Nigeria, Sweden, and Norway etc.

Features of Multi-Party System

1. There are numerous registered political parties in the system.

2. All political parties are legally and constitutionally recognized.
3. There variety of parties and programmme for easy choice making by
the electorates.
4. There is enhance and widened political education / enlightenment.
5. There is broader political spectrum representation.
6. There is then tendency of establishing a coalition government.
7. There is no room for despotic leadership.
8. There periodic conduct of electioneering activities.
9. It upholds democratic principles.

Merits of Multi-Party System

1. Democratic values are greatly enhanced in the multi-party system. This

is because any one that is interested in politics is free to join an existing
political party or form a political party to project his ambition.
2. It does not degenerate into a dictatorial government/ leadership, and
coercion is almost absent.
3. The level of political participation by the populace is enhanced.
4. Coalition of parties to form government form variety in the practice of
governance.
5. It is often difficult for wrong policy to be taken because issues are
thoroughly discussed and deliberated upon before final decisions are
taken.
6. Rule of law and fundamental human rights are protected.
7. Sovereignty which determines where power lies, is with the people
unlike the party systems.
8. The interest of minority groups is provide for in this system.

Demerits of Multi-Party System

1. It is difficult to win a majority plurality, so they must form coalitions,

coalitions are vulnerable to breaking up.
2. The cost of operation is often enormous.
3. Coalition may bring in conflicting principles and ideologies which can
lead to political instability.
 4. Because many political parties are involved in unhealthy rivalry and
competition can lead to shading of blood.
5. The level of corruption is increased by the system because people will
adopt all forms of malpractices to gain power.
6. Plans for economic development are usually aborted
a government changes. This disintegrates the system and leads to
underdevelopment and abandoned projects.
7. The need for compromise make government weak.
8. It may bring about problem of favouritism and disunity.
9. Desire to win elections at all cost may lead to rigging and political
violence.

EVALUATION

1. Highlight the merits of two party system.

2. Mention the demerits of two party system.
3. Mention five characteristic of a political party.