A free and fair election refers to one conducted in an atmosphere devoid of harassment, intimidation and other coercive means. It can also be seen as one conducted according to the principles and practices of democracy.
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR THE CONDUCT OF FREE AND FAIR ELECTION
1. There must be the establishment of an electoral commission, which must be impartial and must not allow interference from outside.
2. There must be political parties to contest elections.
3. The country should be divided into constituencies on equal basis to ensure equal representation.
4. The legislature must enact electoral laws to be carefully followed by the commission, the candidates and the electorates.
5. There should be public counting of votes. This should be done under strict security.
6. Announcement of election results should not be delayed after counting.
7. There must be equality of campaigning conditions.
8. There should be adequate remuneration for election officials.
9. Election officials should be given adequate training.
10. Secret voting should be adopted.
11. Provision should be made for the challenge of election results in the court of law.
ORGANISATION OF ELECTION
For an election to be conducted, it has to follow an organized pattern. This is known as the stages of election.
STAGES OF ELECTION
1. The electoral acts and rules governing the elections are formed.
2. The electoral commission which is a body that conducts the election is set up by the government.
3. Electoral districts are created and delimitation of constituencies is carried out.
4. Political parties are registered by the government.
5. The names of eligible and qualified voters are registered. The voters register must be displayed before election so that each voter can know his polling booth.
6. Candidates are nominated by the parties. Where there are two or more candidates contesting, a primary election is held to determine who represent the party at the general election.
7. A campaign kicks off. This is a period of time set aside for political parties to tour the country with their manifestoes to the electorates.
8. The Election Day is the day the electorate are allowed to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.
9. The electoral commission declares the result of the election stating the winner. An aggrieved candidate can go to the electoral tribunal to contest the validity of an election.
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