Importance of Elections - JSS2 Civic education Lesson Note
- Representation: Elections provide citizens with the opportunity to elect representatives who will voice their interests, concerns, and priorities in government decision-making processes, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented.
- Accountability: Elections hold elected officials accountable to the electorate, as politicians must seek re-election based on their performance and adherence to campaign promises, fostering transparency, responsiveness, and integrity in governance.
- Legitimacy: Through free, fair, and transparent elections, governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed, enhancing public trust and confidence in the democratic system and its institutions.
- Peaceful Transfer of Power: Elections facilitate the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another, providing a mechanism for resolving political disputes and maintaining stability and continuity in governance.
- Citizen Participation: Elections empower citizens to actively participate in the democratic process, exercise their rights, and shape the direction of government policies and actions, fostering civic engagement, and a sense of ownership and responsibility among the populace.