Electoral Malpractice - JSS2 Civic education Past Questions and Answers - page 3

Election malpractice encompasses various illicit actions such as voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, voter suppression, electoral fraud, and vote buying, all of which undermine the integrity and fairness of elections, erode public trust in democratic processes, and compromise the legitimacy of elected officials.

Election malpractice may stem from factors such as political competition, weak electoral laws and institutions, socioeconomic disparities, and corruption, which contribute to unethical behavior and manipulation of electoral outcomes, threatening the foundation of democratic governance and exacerbating governance challenges.

Election malpractice violates fundamental human rights, including the right to free and fair elections, freedom of expression, and political participation, perpetuating cycles of oppression and marginalization, and undermining democratic principles such as transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

Solutions to election malpractice may include strengthening legal frameworks, implementing electoral reforms, promoting civil society oversight, raising public awareness and education, and fostering international cooperation, all of which aim to enhance accountability, transparency, and fairness in elections and safeguard electoral integrity.

Voter education initiatives play a crucial role in raising awareness about democratic principles, electoral rights and responsibilities, and the consequences of election malpractice, empowering citizens to make informed choices, detect malpractice, and advocate for electoral integrity, thereby promoting electoral literacy and democratic participation.