Electoral malpractices I

Civic Education JSS2 Third Term

Sub-theme: Democracy

Week 8

Electoral malpractices I

Performance objectives

The student should be able to:

1. Explain electoral malpractices

2. List and discuss the forms of electoral malpractices

Content

Meaning of Electoral malpractices

Electoral malpractices refer to all kinds of criminal behaviours or acts that hinder a free and fair election in a country.

They include all forms of irregularities by electoral officials, political parties or the general public to change the decision or choice of the masses during election processes.

Forms of electoral malpractices

The common forms of electoral malpractices include:

1. Using fake ballot papers and manipulation of votes.

2. Creating artificial scarcity of electoral materials during the election.

3. Underage registration and voting.

4. Employing youths as political thugs to intimidate or kill opposition group members.

5. Presenting fake manifestos by the contestants.

6. Financial inducement and other corrupt practices in terms of giving money to electoral officials or voters to vote for them in order to rule the results of the election in their favour.