Election and Voters’ Responsibilities: Concept of Election – JSS2 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

An election is the process by which citizens vote for candidates or parties to represent them in the arms of government. It gives voters alternatives to choose from. A voter, also called a member of the electorate, is a person who is eligible to vote. The main types include direct, indirect, by-election, run-off, referendum and primary elections.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define an election.
2. Explain who a voter is.
3. List the types of elections.
4. State the advantages of direct election, indirect election and the electoral college.
5. Describe by-election, run-off election, referendum and primary election.

What is an election?

An election is an act or process of voting for a candidate to represent the people of a country in the various arms of government. It is also the process by which citizens of a country make political choices by voting for competing candidates or parties.

In essence, the concept of election implies that voters have alternatives and can choose among several proposals designed to settle an issue of public concern.

Who is a voter?

A voter is a person who is eligible to participate in voting. Voters are referred to as the electorate. Voting, on the other hand, is the process of expressing one’s choice of a candidate in an election.

What are the types of elections?

1. Direct election

This is the process by which voters vote directly to elect their representatives for public office.

Advantages of direct election

• It is highly democratic.
• It is simple to practise.
• It promotes democracy.
• It engenders equality of voters.

2. Indirect election

This is a system whereby eligible voters select representatives who would make the final selection of leaders on their behalf. It involves the use of the Electoral College.

Advantages of indirect election

• It is very cheap.
• It reduces electoral malpractice.
• It enhances the quality of the law made.
• It reduces political violence.

3. Electoral College

This is a body of elected representatives who assist in electing other political or public officers.

Advantages of the Electoral College

• It is less expensive.
• It produces winners easily.
• It makes voting very short and easy.

4. By-election

This is an election that is conducted to fill a vacant elective post due to recall, resignation or death of the individual holding a given political office.

5. Run-off election

This is an election that is held again because of disqualification, malpractice or annulment of the initial poll or election. It is usually ordered by an election tribunal or court.

6. Referendum

This is a “yes” or “no” vote of the people, particularly on a law in a given political system. It helps the government to know the opinion of the people about an important issue of national interest or concern.

7. Primary election

This is an election conducted within a party to elect the flag-bearer of the party during the general elections.

Evaluation

1. What is an election?
2. Who is a voter?
3. Mention two advantages of direct election.
4. Which type of election is a “yes” or “no” vote of the people on a law?

Assignment

1. State four advantages of indirect election.
2. Explain by-election and primary election.