The Impact Of Voters’ Turnout In Conducting Free And Fair Election (A Case Study Of 2015 General Election In Nigeria)

Project and Seminar Material for Political Science

Project and Seminar Material for Political Science

Abstract

There are definitely studies on elections in Nigeria especially since 1999, but this particular study is a focus on voter turn-out and voting behavior.

This research project is thus a search for the impact of voters’ turn-out in conducting free and fair election.

Chapter one of the study lays an introduction for subsequent chapters. Following the background of the study, the problem statement and the objective of the study which provided basis for the significance of the study and the hypothesis were stated. The limitations of this study were also highlighted.

In the literature review as contained in chapter two, works of various authors, international and local journals were reviewed to elicit views on the impact of voters’ turn-out in conducting free and fair election.

Chapter three, research methodology, description of population and sampling procedure for data collection were discussed. Methods of questionnaire design, determination of sampling size and questionnaire distribution were also highlighted.

Chapter four was based on analysis of data collected. This chapter was sub-divided into data analysis, hypothesis testing and summary. Percentage table, figure and narration were carefully employed for proper understanding and testing of hypothesis.

Finally, chapter five was divided into summary of findings, recommendation and conclusion.

Table Of Contents

Preliminary Page(s)

  • Title Page
  • Approval Page
  • Declaration
  • Dedication
  • Acknowledgement
  • Abstract
  • Table of Contents

Chapter One

Introduction

  • 1.1 Background of the Study
  • 1.2 Statement of General Problem
  • 1.3 Objective of the Study
  • 1.4 Research Questions
  • 1.5 Significance of the Study
  • 1.6 Scope of the Study
  • 1.7 Definition of Terms

Chapter Two

Review Of Related Literature

  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Theoretical Framework
  • 2.3 Voter Turn Out
  • 2.4 Conceptual Clarification
  • 2.5 Empirical Review

Chapter Three

Research Methodology

  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Research Design
  • 3.3 Area of the Study
  • 3.4 Population of Study
  • 3.5 Sample size and Sampling Techniques
  • 3.6 Instrument for Data Collection
  • 3.7 Validity of the Instrument
  • 3.8 Reliability of the Instrument
  • 3.9 Method of Data Collection
  • 3.10 Method of Data Analysis

Chapter Four

Data Presentation And Analysis

  • 4.0 Introduction
  • 4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis
  • 4.2 Characteristics of the Respondents
  • 4.3 Data Analysis
  • 4.4 Testing Hypothesis
  • 4.5 Summary of Findings
  • 4.6 Discussion of Findings

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion And Recommendation

  • 5.0 Introduction
  • 5.1 Summary
  • 5.2 Conclusion
  • 5.3 Recommendations
  • References
  • Appendix

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

In a statement on the 2015 Nigerian General Elections the Freedom House (2015a) congratulated Nigerians for an election that ―appears to be one of the smoothest and least violent in Nigeria‘s history,‖ and, hoped that ―the democratic transition occurs peacefully and with respect for human rights of all.‖ Yet, despite the positive remarks Nigeria was categorized as ―partly free‖ using ratings from political and civil rights enjoyed by the citizens.1 In fact the Organization (2015b) placed most African states in the same category as Nigeria stating that the continent ―saw overall if uneven progress toward democratization during the 1990s and the early 2000s. However, recent years have seen backsliding among both the top performers, such as South Africa, and the more repressive countries, such as The Gambia and Ethiopia.‖ Why is this assessment important and what do elections and voter turnout have to do with it? The democratization project concerns primarily the guaranteeing and enjoyments of civil and political rights for citizens. Democracies make these rights possible through citizen participation in elections and governance. A major difference between countries where democracy is consolidated (established democracies), and countries undertaking democratic transitions and consolidation (democratizing countries), is the extent to which these rights are guaranteed or restrained. It should be born in mind however, that measures of countries which are ―free‖ or ―partly free,‖ and why, may be controversial but these have been explained and represent, approximately, the situation in the countries (Freedom House, 2015c).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Based on these observations, this study argues that it is too soon and misplaced to claim that the successful 2015 General elections represent the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. (The Guardian newspaper (Editorial: 28/04/2014) for example concluded that ―in spite of some challenges, a new culture has evolved for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.‖ We can posit at best, that the result and outcome of the elections offered a great chance for Nigeria to embark on democratic consolidation. New policies and reform of institutions which are required for consolidation of democracy do not exist which theorists have identified as prerequisites although they have failed to equally analyze the requirements which make such reforms possible or difficult especially for countries in Africa, that is, level of popular support and legitimacy which enables regimes to successfully initiate the reforms needed for democratic consolidation.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The study sought to know the impact of voters’ turnout in conducting free and fair election. Specifically, the study sought to;

  1. To determine the requirements for a democratic consolidation.
  2. To know the voter turnout and voting behavior in the 2015 Nigerian General Elections.
  3. To identify the regional ethnic pattern of voting.
  4. What are the implications for democratic consolidation under the incoming regime

1.3 Research Questions

The questions for investigation include the following:

  1. What are the requirements for democratic consolidation?
  2. What was the voter turnout and voting behavior in the 2015 Nigerian General Elections?
  3. What was the regional ethnic pattern of voting?
  4. What are the implications for democratic consolidation under the incoming regime?

Answers to these questions will help us determine the likelihood or otherwise of democratic consolidation under the incoming regime.

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: Voter turnout and voting behavior in the 2015 Nigerian General Election was discouraging.

Hi: Voter turnout and voting behavior in the 2015 Nigerian General Election was encouraging.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study therefore attempts to contribute to the theory of democratization in Africa by examining the amount of support an incoming regime must have in order to successfully carry out needed reforms for democratic consolidation using data from the 2015 General elections in Nigeria. It will be argued that the voter turnout and the voting behavior in the elections offer a clue to whether the incoming regime of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) has the initial support to successfully embark on the process of democratic consolidation. The premise of the study is that the concepts of voter turnout and voting behavior can contribute to theories of democratization and suggest ways in which a synthesis of the concepts could increase our understanding of the process of democratic consolidation with particular reference to Africa. Knowing the initial support regimes have at inception, they can work to increase popular participation for further legitimacy.

1.7 Scope / Limitations of the Study

This study is on the impact of voters’ turnout in conduction free and fair election.

Limitations of study
Financial constraint

Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint

The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Election:

Is a formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office.

Voter Turnout:

Is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. (Who is eligible varies by country, and should not be confused with the total adult population. For example, some countries discriminate based on sex, race, and/or religion. Age and citizenship are usually among the criteria.

Chapter Five

Findings, Conclusion And Recommendation

The objectives of the study were to

  1. To determine the requirements for a democratic consolidation.
  2. To know the voter turnout and voting behavior in the 2015 Nigerian General Elections.
  3. To identify the regional ethnic pattern of voting.
  4. What are the implications for democratic consolidation under the incoming regime

Findings

Findings from the study revealed the following

  1. Democracy in Nigeria is not consolidated.
  2. The 2015 general elections witnessed more youth turnout.
  3. Voter turnout and voting behavior in the 2015 general elections was encouraging.
  4. The voting pattern was majorly along ethnic and religious lines.

Conclusion

The study examined the impacts of voter turnout in conducting free and fair elections in Nigeria. Democracy cannot strive where there is gross negation of the cardinal democratic principles in relation to elections and electoral process. The return of the country to a democratic rule on May 29, 1999 brought with it high hopes and expectation on the part of the electorates as it provided the avenues through which they can be able express their choice of office holders in an open competitive free and fair electoral process. Ironically, observation shows that these yearnings and aspirations were met. The elections and the electoral process have (2003, 2007 and 2011) all been characterised by elite manipulations of the process to favour some parties, ballot snatching, late arrival of electoral materials etc. This has marred the democratization process since the commencement of the fourth Republic.

Recommendation

From the various observations made above, the following recommendations are put forward to government and civil society and the ruling elites.

  1. The government should set up a Special Electoral Malpractice Court in order to punish electoral law offenders.
  2. The civil society organization should organize workshops, conferences, seminars aimed at sensitizing the general public on voter education and principles of democratic governance.
  3. The government should completely restructure INEC and make independent and complete autonomy be granted and free from government control and interference in order to regain public trust and confidence.

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