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Showing posts from January 29, 2025

Scholars Discuss the Reasons for, and the Causes of Electoral Violence in Nigeria 

Elections are a fundamental mechanism for altering the power balance in any society. Ideally, they provide an avenue for the peaceful transfer of power, allowing citizens to choose their leaders through a transparent and credible process. However, in many contexts, elections are marred by violence, often fueled by unresolved grievances, political exclusion, socio-economic disparities, and the activities of spoilers who seek to maintain their influence by any means necessary. In Nigeria , electoral violence remains a recurring challenge, with each election cycle witnessing varying degrees of conflict, ranging from intimidation and ballot box snatching to large-scale communal clashes. There are many reasons for and causes of electoral violence in Nigeria but two key dynamics influence whether elections proceed peacefully or descend into violence. The first relates to the broader context in which elections take place. Countries or regions with a history of political violence, unresolved...

Researchers Explain the Reasons for and Causes of Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria

Elections are a fundamental aspect of democracy, serving as the mechanism through which leaders are chosen and power is transferred. In Nigeria , elections are conducted at regular intervals, with general elections taking place every four years since the return to democratic rule in 1999. These elections, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , include presidential, gubernatorial, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections. However, electoral malpractices have been a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s democratic process, undermining the credibility of elections and eroding public trust in democratic institutions. Electoral malpractices refer to illegal actions committed by individuals, political parties, or government officials to influence election outcomes unfairly. These illegal actions include vote rigging, ballot box snatching, multiple voting, underage voting, disenfranchisement, vote buying, ballot stuffing, and falsification of election results....