Election Processes – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

An election is the process by which citizens choose their leaders by voting, and in Nigeria the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organises it.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the full meaning of INEC and explain why it is called “independent”.
2. List the main functions of INEC.
3. State who can register as a voter and describe the steps of voter registration.
4. Describe the steps of accreditation and voting on election day.
5. Explain why the secret ballot and a clear voting process matter.
6. Name the actions that are not allowed during elections.

What is INEC?

INEC is the Independent National Electoral Commission, the body set up to make sure elections in Nigeria are free, fair and peaceful.

• Meaning: Independent National Electoral Commission.
• Set up by: the Nigerian Constitution, which gives it the duty to organise elections.
• “Independent”: it must not take orders from any politician or political party.
• Football example: a match without a referee can end in fights, so INEC acts as the referee of elections.

What are the functions of INEC?

INEC has five main functions that you must know for this topic.

1. Registering voters: it makes sure every eligible Nigerian can get a voter’s card.
2. Registering political parties: it approves political groups before they become official parties.
3. Organising elections: it fixes the dates, prints ballot papers and provides ballot boxes.
4. Voter education: it teaches citizens why voting matters and how to vote correctly.
5. Announcing results: after the votes are counted, it declares the winner.

Which elections does INEC conduct?

• Presidential election: chooses the President and Vice-President.
• Governorship election: chooses a Governor and Deputy Governor in each state.
• National Assembly elections: choose Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
• State House of Assembly elections: choose lawmakers for each state.
• Local government elections: held by each State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), not by INEC, except the Area Councils of the FCT.

What is voter registration?

Voter registration is the process of putting your name on the Register of Voters so that you can vote.

• Rule: you cannot decide to vote on election day without being registered first.
• Method: Nigeria uses Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which means registration is open over a long period before elections.

Who can register as a voter?

A person can register if they meet three conditions.

• Citizenship: you must be a Nigerian citizen.
• Age: you must be 18 years or older.
• Sound mind: you must not be legally declared incapable of making decisions.

What are the steps of voter registration?

1. Visit a centre: go to an INEC office or a registration point set up by INEC.
2. Provide details: give your name, age, address and occupation.
3. Biometrics: INEC takes your fingerprints and a photograph of your face.
4. Collect the PVC: after processing, you receive your Permanent Voter’s Card.

Why does INEC take fingerprints and photographs?

• Stops double registration: the records can show if a person has registered before.
• Proves identity: your fingerprint and face belong only to you.
• Supports accreditation: the same details are checked again on election day.

What is a PVC?

A PVC is the Permanent Voter’s Card, the card that shows you are registered and allowed to vote.

• Use: it is your “ticket” to vote. No PVC, no vote.
• Polling unit: you vote at the polling unit where you registered.
• Offences: registering more than once and selling your PVC are against the law.
• Advice: keep your card safe, because your vote is your power.

How do we vote on election day?

Voters go to polling units, where they are checked, vote in secret and drop their ballot papers in a clear box.

• Polling unit: the small local place where voters in an area cast their votes.
• Focus today: the system relies on technology and secrecy.

What are the steps of accreditation and voting?

1. Accreditation: an official uses the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to check your face or fingerprint against your PVC records.
2. Ballot paper: once cleared, you are given a ballot paper showing party names and symbols.
3. Secret balloting: you go behind a private screen (the voting cubicle) so nobody sees your choice.
4. Thumbprint: you dip your thumb in ink and press it in the space beside your chosen party.
5. Dropping the paper: you fold the paper and drop it into the transparent ballot box in full view of everyone.

What happens after voting?

1. Counting: votes are counted at the polling unit in the open, with party agents and observers watching.
2. Recording: the results are written down and passed on to be collated.
3. Declaration: INEC officials announce the winner.

What are BVAS and the secret ballot?

• BVAS: the machine used to confirm that the person in front of the official is the owner of the PVC.
• Secret ballot: a way of voting in private so that nobody knows who you voted for.
• Why it protects you: nobody can bully you or punish you for your choice.

Why does the election process matter?

A clear and honest process makes the result believable and keeps the country peaceful.

• It reduces rigging: a clean register and machines like BVAS make it harder to cheat or count fake votes, so the election is credible.
• It gives people a voice: when the process is easy and clear, more people vote, and the winner better represents the citizens.
• It supports peaceful change of government: when people trust INEC, losers are more likely to accept the result.

What actions are not allowed during elections?

Under-age voting, thuggery and vote buying are wrong and some are punishable by law.

• Under-age voting: a person under 18 must not register or vote.
• Thuggery: fighting or causing violence at polling units is a serious offence.
• Vote buying: taking money to vote for someone is like selling your future.
• Multiple registration: registering more than once is against the law.
• Selling a PVC: giving away your voting power for money is wrong.

What are the key terms in this topic?

Evaluation

1. What is the full meaning of INEC?
2. At what age can a Nigerian citizen register for a PVC?
3. List three functions of INEC.
4. Briefly explain why INEC takes fingerprints and photographs during registration.
5. Why is the secret ballot better than voting in the open?

Assignment

Write a short guide for an 18-year-old neighbour. List the steps to register as a voter and the steps to vote on election day.