Free and Fair Elections – JSS3 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

A free and fair election is an election conducted according to the principles and rules of democracy, in a peaceful atmosphere and without electoral malpractice.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define free and fair elections.
2. Explain the meaning of “free” and “fair” in an election.
3. State the conditions under which a free and fair election takes place.
4. List common forms of electoral malpractice.
5. State the importance of free and fair elections.

What is a free and fair election?

A free and fair election is one in which citizens choose their leaders without force or intimidation, and the result is honest.

• Democratic rules: the election follows the constitution and the electoral law.
• Peaceful atmosphere: voters, candidates and officials are safe before, during and after voting.
• No malpractice: nobody cheats, buys votes or changes results.
• Free choice: the people elect their leaders without force or intimidation.

What is the difference between a free election and a fair election?

A free election protects the voter’s freedom to choose, while a fair election treats every candidate and party equally.

• Free election: every eligible citizen can register, vote and contest without fear, threats or force.
• Fair election: all candidates and parties follow the same rules, and votes are counted and announced honestly.

What are the conditions for a free and fair election?

A free and fair election needs an honest electoral body, equal rules for all, a safe environment and a trusted way to settle disputes.

• Independent electoral body: an umpire such as INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) runs the election without control by any party.
• Accurate voters’ register: only eligible citizens are registered, and each person votes once.
• Voting age: every qualified adult citizen has the right to vote (universal adult suffrage).
• Secret ballot: each voter marks the ballot privately, so no one knows how he or she voted.
• Freedom to campaign: parties and candidates can hold rallies and speak freely within the law.
• Equal opportunity: all parties have fair access to the media and public places.
• Neutral security agents: the police and other agencies protect everyone and favour no party.
• Voter education: citizens are taught how, when and why to vote.
• Honest counting and announcement: results are counted openly and announced as they are.
• Election observers: local and foreign observers watch the process and report on it.
• Independent judiciary: courts and election tribunals settle disputes fairly.
• Peaceful atmosphere: all parties and supporters accept to keep the peace.

What is electoral malpractice?

Electoral malpractice is any illegal or dishonest act that spoils an election.

• Rigging: changing the votes or results to favour a candidate.
• Ballot box snatching: taking away ballot boxes by force.
• Vote buying: giving money or gifts to voters in exchange for their votes.
• Thuggery: using hired youths to threaten or attack voters and officials.
• Multiple voting: one person voting more than once.
• Underage voting: allowing people below the voting age to vote.
• Falsifying results: writing or announcing figures that are not the true count.
• Intimidation: frightening voters so that they stay at home or vote against their wish.

Who helps to make an election free and fair?

Many groups share the duty of making an election free and fair.

• Electoral body: plans, conducts and supervises the election.
• Voters: vote peacefully, refuse bribes and report wrongdoing.
• Political parties: obey the rules and control their supporters.
• Security agencies: keep order and protect people and materials.
• Observers and the media: watch the process and report what they see.
• Courts: hear election petitions and give judgement.

Why are free and fair elections important?

Free and fair elections give a country good leaders, peace and the trust of its people.

1. Good leaders: it enables good leaders to be voted into power.
2. Peace: it helps to prevent riots and violence.
3. More participation: it encourages citizens to be more involved in voting.
4. Safety: it helps to prevent the loss of lives and property.
5. Public trust: it enables citizens to have trust and confidence in their leaders.
6. Change of government: it enables citizens to remove a bad government and bad leaders.
7. National image: it boosts a country’s image.

Evaluation

1. Define free and fair elections.
2. State the difference between a free election and a fair election.
3. List four conditions for a free and fair election.
4. Mention four forms of electoral malpractice.
5. What is the importance of free and fair elections?

Assignment

1. Mention five reasons why free and fair elections are important, and define free and fair elections.

Reading: Fundamentals of Civic Education Book 3 by Sola Akinyemi.