SS2   GOVT.LESSON 2

ELECTORAL SYSTEM

Electoral system is the methods through which people elect their

representatives into different political offices in government.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION

This is a body appointed to conduct elections in a state.

In Nigeria, FEDECO (Federal Electoral Commission) was the 2^nd republic electoral body, NEC (National Electoral Commission) was the 3^rd and currently, INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) is the electoral body since 1999.

 

TYPES OF ELECTORAL SYSTEM

1.  Simple Majority System:

        This is also called ‘first past the vote’ or plurality system.

As in USA, Canada, and Britain, in this system, scoring the highest number of votes makes the winner.

MERITS OF PLURALITY SYSTEM

1.   Simple voting

2.   Saves time and cost.

3.   It is a very easy and understandable voting system.

DEMERITS OF PLURALITY SYSTEM

1.   Rigging

2.   Emergence of unpopular government.

2.   Second ballot System:

Example, France, if no candidate achieve absolute majority, the weaker candidate is eliminated and   the election is held again to achieve an absolute majority winner.

3.  Preferential Vote/ Alternative system:

Here, candidates are placed according to the electorate’ preference, the votes of the weaker candidate is redistributed to the stronger ones.

4.  Proportional Representation:

Here, votes are allocated equally according to the number of seats in the legislature. It is also referred to as List System, a minimum number of votes required to win a seat is established, any surplus votes are redistributed according to voter’s preference.

5.  Absolute Majority;

Here, a candidate must score more than half of the total votes cast in the election before he can emerge the winner.

MERITS OF ABSOLUTE MAJORITY SYSTEM

1.   It produces credible and popular candidate.

2.   Popular view is largely represented.

DEMERITS OF ABSOLUTE MAJORITY SYSTEM

1.   It is very expensive to run.

2.   Illiteracy can be hindrance to effective performance

3.   Mass apathy can result.

4.   Wastes time

Constituency: This is an electoral district from which one or more representatives are elected into political offices.

Delimitation: The division of a country into constituencies for election purposes.

FACTORS AFFECTING DELIMITATION

1.   Population

2.   Minority interest

3.   Geographical factors.

4.   Administrative convenience, number of seats available and culture of the people.

PROBLEMS AFFECTING DELIMITATION

1.   Inaccurate population data

2.   Ethnicity

3.   Remote areas

4.   Gerrymandering

Electoral Malpractice:

These are electoral misconducts which can derail electoral processes and manifests before, during and after elections.

CAUSES OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE

1.   Poverty

2.   Illiteracy

3.   Ethnic influence

4.   Over-ambitious politicians

FORMS OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES

1.   Under-age voting

2.   The use of fake ballot papers

3.   The use of thugs to intimidate voters

4.   Bribery

5.   Fake manifestoes.

6.   Stealing of electoral materials.

CONSEQUENCES OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE

1.   Mass apathy

2.   Corrupt leadership

3.   Loss of lives and property

4.   Military intervention