The Effect of Electoral Malpractices on the Sustenance of Democracy in Nigeria
Keywords:
Election, malpractices, electoral malpractices, sustenance, democracyAbstract
This study examines the effect of electoral malpractices on the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. One of the most critical and salient features of any meaningful democracy accepted all over the world is the conduct of acceptable, credible, free and fair elections. This is because free and fair elections ensure concrete and stable political development which engenders sustenance of democracy. With elections being the only legitimate way of choosing representatives in any democracy, winning at all cost becomes the norm. All forms of violent acts to out-wit political opponents are let loose on the polity. Two questions were therefore formulated as a guide for this study. Using the elite theory as propounded by Wilfredo Pareto and Guatano Mosca as framework of our analysis, the study in its findings posit that electoral malpractices endangers conflict, crises and instability in Nigerian politics, this has negatively affected the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. The study therefore, recommends a total overhaul of the electoral system in Nigeria, the civil society organizations, the government and the international community should be more committed to ensuring credible elections and above all honest and visionary leadership should be put in power with a view to achieving the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
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