AN INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECT OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF NIGERIAS DEMOCRACY(A STUDY OF 2023 GENERAL ELECTION)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

Democracy is not immutable. The institutions of democracy are fragile in the sense that they take a long time to establish, but they may be destroyed by violence far more swiftly. Yet, democracy may also advance via minor but deliberate changes to organizations' crucial elements. The institutions of democracy might therefore lose their effectiveness and its standards without anyone's intention. This may occur if a crucial development is missed or if government leaders intentionally or irresponsibly abuse the trust of public (Report of the Government Commission on Swedish Democracy Official Government Reports-SOU 2000).

Since independence, Nigeria's democratization processes have been marred by significant election fraud, followed by violence, which has undermined the basic principles of liberal democracy despite several ineffective electoral reforms. However, there is no indication of a genuine and earnest attempt to prevent the democracy process in Nigeria from reaching an unwelcome degree, despite the fact that this problem has been growing. Others believe Nigeria to be on the verge of becoming a failed state as a result of these conditions, which have essentially bred a variety of violent situations with the possibility of anarchy (Onwe et al., 2015). Obasanjo's 2007 "do or die" comment is illustrative of the fact that many politicians, especially those in administration, resort to violence and threats to achieve their political objectives.

Since the country's return to civil rule in May 1999, violence has increased, resulting in an estimated death toll of more than 10,000 (Jega, 2017), with the majority of deaths occurring during election periods (some 700 violent election-related incidents between November 2006 and March 2007 and more than 300 killed during the 2007 elections alone) (Human Rights Watch, 2007). This raises the issue of just what democracy is in Nigeria. As contrast to oppressive or dictatorial regimes, democracy in its ideal form affords ordinary folks the greatest opportunity to live under a system of just laws created in the national interest.

Notwithstanding the fact that Nigeria has had electoral disputes since its independence, challenges over the legality of election results have intensified during the last decade. Several presidential candidates, particularly from opposition parties, have refused to acknowledge loss, mostly on the grounds that the stated election results were falsified to favor the governing party and hence not legal. In certain instances, this has resulted in post-election violence, which has had severe social, political, and economic effects on Nigeria. Despite the Nigerian government and regional organization's many attempts to fix election issues in the nation, the problem persists. This research contends that political violence is part of a larger pandemic of violence that has wrecked the lives of tens of thousands of Nigerians since the restoration of civilian authority to the nation in 1999. (Jegede,2019).

1.2 Statement Of Problem

Absence of public engagement in the political process, corruption, and a lack of responsiveness and responsibility on the part of those in power have characterized elections in Nigeria. Political elite, civil society, local and foreign observers claimed that the 2023 general election was more severely manipulated than the 1999 election, such that election results in certain areas did not reflect the actual voting trend (Amadu, 2023). We are currently confronted with court cases stemming from infamous election procedures, allegations of corruption, fraudulent enrichment of those in power, and the uninspiring behavior of some legislators who are expected to provide positive support for effective policy that will ensure sustainable democracy. We are also confronted with escalating conflict within the capitalist class as a consequence of their drive for greater acquisition of national riches, which disregards democratic norms. Any devoted Nigerian who has seen Nigeria emerge from the grips of military dictatorship only to land in the scandalous politics of professional election fraud finds these circumstances urgent and compelling. One of the stated justifications for the military intervention in 1983 was that the elections of that year were extensively manipulated. The Nigerian populace felt outraged that everyone must do something to safeguard democratic institutions and processes from regressive forces.

Despite the blatant instances of election fraud that caused several nullifications and cancellations of results, no culprits have been caught or convicted. Concerned by this trend, commentators wonder whether electoral crime is no longer a punished offense. Are there no measures in our legal code for dealing with election-related criminals? Or are these crimes completely unseen? If the courts are able to confirm that the irregularities prompting the annulment of these elections and the need for new elections were really committed, why can't they also identify the culprits and mete out punishment to them as a deterrent? Even when such criminals are captured on election day, they are swiftly freed when their political masters intervene to ensure their release. (Victor 2023).

1.3 Objective of the study

The main objective of this study is focused on an investigation of the causes and effect of electoral malpractice on the sustainability of Nigeria's democracy(a study of 2023 general election). Other specific objectives includes;

1. Identify the different forms of electoral malpractice prevalent during the 2023 general election in Nigeria.

2. Find out the causes of electoral malpractice during the 2023 general election in Nigeria.

3. Ascertain the extent electoral malpractice that flawed the 2023 general election pose a threat to the sustainability of Nigeria's democracy.

4. Ascertain the effect of electoral malpractice on the sustainability of Nigeria's democracy.

1.4 Research Question

The study will be guided by the following questions;

1. What were the different forms of electoral malpractice prevalent during the 2023 general election in Nigeria?

2. What were the causes of electoral malpractice during the 2023 general election in Nigeria?

3. What is the extent electoral malpractice that flawed the 2023 general election pose a threat to the sustainability of Nigeria's democracy?

4. What is the effect of electoral malpractice on the sustainability of Nigeria's democracy?

1.5 Significance of the study

This research is significant in such a way that lays emphasizes on the negative impact of electoral malpractices and appropriate measure that can be taken to address such problems in order for democracy to thrive in Nigeria. This study has the potential of educating and enlightening the Nigerian masses on the menace of electoral malpractices. It is significant because apart from projecting academic learning and scholarship, it goes a long way to point out the importance of credible elections to the democratic sustenance of Nigeria. It also x-rays the fundamental causes associated with electoral malpractice and ultimately recommends ways for obviating them. It will serve as an eye opener to researchers, government officials and general readers who truly intend to understand the impediment to democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Again, it will serve to sensitize the public and create awareness as to the destructive potentials of election malpractice towards the aspiration for democratization in Nigeria. Empirically, the study will contribute to body of knowledge and serve as a reference material to student and scholars who wishes to conduct further studies in related field.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study borders on the causes and effect of electoral malpractice on the sustainability of Nigeria's democracy(a study of 2023 general election). The respondents for this study will be obtained among political activist in Ikeja, Lagos state.

1.7 Limitation of the study

The researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that electoral violence discourse is vast thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size covering only residents of Lagos State. Thus findings of this study cannot be used for generalization for other states within Nigeria. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work will impede maximum devotion to the research. Howbeit, despite the constraint encountered during the research, all factors were downplayed in other to give the best and make the research successful.

1.8 Definition of terms

Democracy: They defined democracy as a “representative government with a competitive electoral system”.

Elections: Elections can be seen as democratic avenue through which the people or groups express their preference for a particular person or group whom they feel can best protect their welfare. It can thus be seen, that the election is the very soul of democracy. This is because it is the major avenue though which the people exercise their sovereign right to govern themselves by deciding who they want to govern them for a pre-determined period.

Electoral Malpractices: Electoral malpractice simply refers to the manipulation of electoral processes and outcomes so as to substitute personal or partisan benefit for the public interest. These include any unapproved and unethical, actions, attitudes, behaviour that violate laid down electoral rules and regulations (i.e. violate Electoral act) which usually manifest during elections.

Electoral Process: The electoral process refers to all the activities and procedures involved in the election of representatives by the electorates Electoral process refers to all the pre and post election activities without which an election is either impossible or meaningless. These include the registration of political parties, review of voters’ register, delineation of constituencies, resolution of electoral disputes, return of elected representatives, swearing-in of elected representatives, etc. In addition to these, the term also refers to the rules that guide electoral conducts. Needless to say that election is merely one, albeit the most important, of the activities that make up an electoral process.