Elections and Electoral Malpractice: Effects on Nigeria’s Democratic Stability

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Elections and Electoral Malpractice: Effects on Nigeria’s Democratic Stability

Ukachikara, Ucheoma O.¹, Elechi, Chizoba A.^2
1,2Department of Political and Administrative Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract:- There is an increasing number of sovereign states in the world today claiming to be democratic which gives credence to the claim that democracy is probably the most desirable form of government, as it grants individuals the right to take part in the government of their country directly or through freely chosen representatives. This paper examines the irregularities of elections in Nigeria and its devastating effects on democratic stability in Nigeria. In conducting this investigation, the system theory approach was adopted as the theoretical framework, relying on qualitative approach, using mainly secondary data that were analysed by the use of content and historical analysis. Electoral malpractice has dealt an enormous blow on Nigerian’s nascent democracy which has inevitably denied the country of a credible free and fair election in her polity. Electoral irregularities have not just marred democratic stability in Nigeria but have also brought about the violation of fundamental human rights (right to life) of so many Nigerians. The benchmark reviewed in this paper is electoral malpractices since independence. Findings in the study revealed that electoral malpractice in Nigeria have resulted in the imposition of illegitimate and corrupt leaders, with absolute zero regard to the principles of democracy which negate good governance, fundamental human rights, rule of law and constitutionalism. This paper makes recommendations that would serve as panacea to the problems of electoral malpractice and these procedures can help compel a democratic environment which is a prerequisite for free and fair elections.

Keywords: Election, Democracy, Democratic Stability, Electoral Malpractice.

I. INTRODUCTION

The number of sovereign states in the world today claiming to be democratic seems to be on the increase which gives credence to the claim that democracy is probably the most desirable form of government as it believes that it promotes freedom, human rights, better governance due to transparency, etc.This assertion is drawn from the fact that a democratic environment is one where constitutional doctrine such as separation of powers via checks and balances and the rule of law excel. It is also an environment where popular participation is allowed. Invariably, democracy grants individuals the right to take part in the government of their country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. However, for democratic stability, there are fundamental principles which are consistent in some democracies. They include:

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