ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE

ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE

Electoral malpractices are acts and things done or not done that could adversely affect the smooth running of elections in a state or country.

FORMS OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES

• Fake ballot papers
• Artificial scarcity of electoral materials
• Under-age voting
• Manipulation of voters
• The use of thugs and intimidation
• Financial inducement and other corrupt practices
• Fake manifestoes

CAUSES OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE

• Over-ambition of politicians
• Frustration
• Desperation
• Poverty
• Illiteracy and ignorance

Effects of Electoral Malpractice

• Social conflicts, political violence, and direct attacks on people suspected to be responsible for such malpractice
• Aggression against electoral malpractice may be targeted at people and property
• In many cases, electoral malpractices tend to destroy the trust and confidence people have in the government
• Repeated electoral malpractice may reduce the level of political participation, as those who do not support such malpractices become politically inactive

Prevention of Electoral Malpractice

• The government should educate the public on politics and elections before elections are held
• Politicians and their thugs should not be allowed to threaten the electorate or force them to vote for a particular party or candidate
• The government should ensure that each voter votes only once
• The voters' register should be properly updated before elections
• The judiciary should always be objective and impartial
• Everybody must respect all electoral laws
• Elections must be held regularly at intervals to prevent sit-tight leadership