Theory question 105
Franchise, Elections and Electoral SystemsSection A (answer two questions only from this section)
(a) What are the functions of the Electoral Commission in the electoral process?
(b) What problems are likely to hinder the success of the commission in Nigeria?
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(a) Registers voters and compiles the voters' register; delimits constituencies; registers political parties and monitors their finances; fixes election dates and conducts elections; recruits and trains electoral officers; provides election materials; counts votes and declares results; conducts bye-elections and referendums; educates voters; deals with complaints about the conduct of elections.
(b) Lack of independence (government interference in appointment and funding); inadequate funds and logistics; corruption of officials; poor transport and communication; illiteracy of voters; violence, thuggery and rigging by politicians; partisan security agencies; inaccurate census figures and voters' register; shortage of trained staff; late release of funds.
Several points in each part, with brief explanation.