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EXAMINE THE VARIOUS WAYS BY WHICH ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE CAN BE REDUCED IN NIGERIA
POLITICAL SYSTEM

Elections are part of any democratic process. Nigeria is a democratic country; however, local politicians
like to play ‘dirty’ games. What are electoral malpractices in Nigeria? Is it possible to prevent any
manipulations and make the process completely free and fair? Let us talk about the causes and effects
of this popular phenomenon popularly called ‘rigging.’

Fair elections have become like fairy tales in Nigeria. Free elections are also something many citizens do
not believe in. This happens not just in Nigeria but also in different other ‘young’ democracies.

What are the causes of this problem? How to understand the term? Is there something you can
personally do to prevent the bad practices in your city or state? So many interesting questions are truly
worth your attention.

What is electoral malpractice?

This term is used to describe all dishonest and fraud activities that interfere with the democratic ‘nature’
of election.

The fraud practices during elections are common in countries with political apathy, instability, lack of
political awareness and high poverty rate.

Elections in Nigeria

All local elections are surrounded by rumors about unfairness and malpractices. The most commonly
used examples of ‘bad’ activities that take place before, during, and right after elections include the
following:

Illegal usage of ballot boxes

Illegal printing of voter’s cards

Results falsification

Stuffing ballot boxes with fake ballot papers votes

Manipulations with registration of voters

Rumors about manipulations and malpractices have been around Nigerian elections even since 1959.
This is the problem in many countries globally.

CAUSES OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE

Everything that happens, good or bad, has a cause. There are numerous factors that influence elections
in Nigeria.

Economic problems

Numerous economic issues and instability make people anxious about their future. Some of them are
eager to join the party and start a political career to build their personal financial ‘nest’ and eat their
part of the national cake. They are only thinking about personal wealth. They have no desire to help the
nation change for better and the economy to develop.

High poverty rate

It is not a secret that millions of Nigerians are poor. Poverty, low salaries, unemployment - such situation
is used by politicians who make their promises and never keep their words. Poverty and corruption are
real ‘friends’ and are extremely loved by politicians. People who cannot afford food are willing to trade
their vote for bread, fruit, and cereals or even money.

Weak courts

Even with all the rumors going around the fraud during elections, the weak court system does not help
much with punishments. No justice only makes the problems worth. When it is easy to get away with
lies and fraud, there is a huge temptation to stay unfair and bring no real democratic changes to the
country.

Temporary staff problem

It is cheaper to hire a temporary team to work during elections. On one hand, this is a great solution as it
helps to save Nigerian money. On the other hand, temporary people can be influenced by the fraudulent
elements because, they most likely do not have the level of sense of responsibility and service that
someone who has been working in the electoral commission for 30 years would have.

Such people sometimes feel the need to quickly make some extra cash during elections, since they'll go
back to their joblessness once elections are over.

No discipline

There is little or no discipline in different spheres. There are problems with infrastructure, logistics,
security staff, and low electoral interest among Nigerians.
HOW CAN ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES BE PREVENTED /REDUCED IN NIGERIA?

Only the major changes in minds, thoughts and strong desire for positive and democratic future can
make the difference. It also takes a long time and hard work to reduce and prevent malpractices during
the elections. Here are some ideas what can be done to improve everything.

 Strict rules for everyone

Fraud activities can be decreased with high fees and real responsibility. Politicians who will be punished
financially or even end up in prison and finish their career will think twice before organizing any
manipulations. Election teams and all staff involved in the processes of voters’ registration, votes
counting and announcing the results will also be responsible if they really fear the penalties.

 Education

Training and educational programs can help raise the political awareness, get professionals among
electoral staff and political parties and explain to citizens how important each voice is. Only political
training can describe the importance and consequences of what can be done, and what is taboo.

 Reforms

The Nigerian government has to perform reforms. It is necessary to figure out the problems in the
electoral system and present solutions for them. Existing system needs to be improved. It requires more
transparency, better control, and attention from the public.

These are some of the changes that can minimize the electoral malpractices. Nigerians can improve the
electoral experience. Democratic countries are constantly working on improvements in different spheres
of life. It takes time but, it can be done.