TABLE
OF CONTENTS
1. Definition
of Electoral Voting System
2. The
Electoral Voting Process
3. Characteristics
of Electoral Voting System
4. Types
of Electoral voting System
5. Conclusion
6. References
DEFINITION
OF ELECTORAL VOTING SYSTEM
An electoral system may be defined as a process or
method through which the people of a given country elect their representative
into different political offices or positions in government. It also includes
the conditions and processes for the nomination of candidates for elective
posts including procedure and rules of election.
In Nigeria, an electoral commission with different
designation is appointed to organise and conduct all elections in the country.
For example, Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) conducted 1979-83 Second
Republic elections. National Electoral Commission (NEC) conducted the 1993
aborted Third Republic elections. Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) conducted the 1999 Fourth Republic elections.
THE
ELECTORAL VOTING PROCESS IN NIGERIA
The electoral process is the process through which
candidates are elected to fill political posts. The process starts with the
efforts of political parties in preparing for elections, campaigning for votes,
etc.
Preparing for elections
Political parties usually make a lot of preparations
before the actual voting takes place. For example, each party has to select its
own candidate for each constituency. Thus if there are six political parties,
there may be as many as six candidates in each constituency. A candidate is a
person to be voted for in an election. If the election is to the houses of
parliament, successful candidate will be parliamentarians.
Registration of political parties:
The registration of political parties is done
according to laid down political rules and regulations through electoral commission.
Registration of voters
Usually, prior to any general election, all persons
eligible to vote are called upon to register themselves. It is only those who
register that can vote. It is the duty of the Electoral Commission to carry out
the registration exercise.
Campaign for votes
Apart form presentation of a candidate in each
constituency, each party have to campaign directly for votes. This involves
presenting the party’s manifesto or programme to electorate. A party programme
contains what the party intends to do if elected into power. The electorate
(the body of voters) will be the final judge as to which party has the best
programme and intentions. The official campaigning period varies from country
to country.
Secret Ballot
This is a system whereby voting is done secretly. Most
democratic countries now operate the secrete ballot. A ballot is a paper
through which the elector votes. Under the secret ballot the voter or elector
goes alone into the ballot booth and drops his ballot paper into the box of the
candidate or party of his choice. The secret ballot protects the voter from
possible persecution and intimidation. This is so because no one knows the
candidate or party which he has voted for unless he himself tells others.
Actual Voting and Results
The actual voting exercise is done within a
well-stated day and period. For example, the voting hours might be from 7.00
a.m. to 5.00 p.m. of a fixed date. Each eligible voter has to cast his vote
within the stated hours. After the voting exercise the ballot boxes are carried
to the counting centre and counted. The results of the election are immediately
announced by the Returning Officer after the counting.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF AN ELECTORAL VOTING SYSTEM
Independent
Body:
An
independent and impartial electoral body should be put in place.
Constant/Periodic
elections:
There
should be regular or periodic elections as stipulated in the constitution. This
will help to eliminate any president who intends to perpetuate himself in
power.
Constituencies:
It is
important for the delimitation of the country into constituencies.
Universal
adult suffrage:
Qualified
adult citizens should exercise their right of voting
Voting
should be conducted:
Without
fear of molestation, intimidation and victimization.
Counting of votes:
This should be made public and with immediate release
of results.
Nomination of candidates by political parties:
This should be done in a way that it will appeal to the
generality of the people.
Secret ballot: this method of election
should be adopted.
Political education: The people should be properly
educated about their political rights, elections and about the political
system.
Materials for election: Materials for election, e.g.
ballot boxes, ballot papers, ink pad, polling booths etc, are provided.
TYPES
OF ELECTORAL VOTING SYSTEM
Single – member constituency and single vote:
This system is usually referred to as “first past the
post” or simple majority system. A candidate has the highest number of votes
cast to win the election, Britain, U.S.A, Canada etc are examples of this
system.
Single member and second ballot:
Failure of any candidate to receive any absolute
majority at the first ballot, a second one is held with the weaker candidates
either choosing or being required to retire, e.g. France.
Single member with preferential vote:
This system allows the electorate to place the
candidate in order of preference. The votes of the weaker candidates being
distributed to the stronger ones, according to second, third, etc.
Proportional Representation:
The essence of proportional representation is
allocating seats in proportion to the votes cast in multi-member
constituencies. It is a method used to elect representatives into the
legislature. The total number of votes which a party or groups scores is
calculated in proportion to the total number of vote cast. There are two types
of proportional representation.
Plurality System
Meaning: Plurality system is also referred to as ‘first
past the post’ or simple majority system. In this system, the candidate who
scores the highest number of votes is deemed elected. It is based on
single-member constituency. A candidate has to obtain a simply majority
(plurality) of votes to be elected. He needs not to have to win an absolute
majority of all the votes cast in the election. For example, there are four
candidates with the following scores from 50,000 voters.
Candidate A --- 14,000
B --- 13,000
C --- 12,000
D --- 11,000
Candidate A is declared elected because he has the
plurality of votes.
CONCLUSION
The Nigerian electoral voting system is been carried
through secrete ballot where the voter or elector goes alone into the ballot
booth and drops his ballot paper into the box of the candidate or party of his
choice. This system protects voters from possible persecution and intimidation.
REFERENCES
Dibie C. Chris (1999): “Essential Government for
Senior Secondary Schools. Ibafo Ogun, Tonad Publishers Limited.
D. O. Eyiyere (1983) “Government Made Easy”. Benin
City, Quality Publishers Limited.
