SS2 First Term Government Lesson Note – Electoral Process or System

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WEEK 2

TOPIC: ELECTORAL PROCESS/SYSTEM

CONTENT:  

(a) Meaning of electoral process/system

(b) Types of electoral process/systems.  

(c) Characteristics, Advantages and Disadvantages of Electoral Systems.

Sub –Topic 1:  MEANING OF ELECTORAL SYSTEM

An electoral system may be defined as the process and procedure by which citizens of a democratic country select through either direct voting or indirectly those who will represent them in the parliament and other positions in the government. It also includes the conditions and processes for the nomination of candidates for elective posts including procedures and rules of election.

Characteristics of an Electoral System

1. An independent electoral commission.
2. Periodic and regular elections.
3. Adoption of secret voting system.
4. Delimitation of the country into constituencies.
5. The adoption of universal adult suffrage.
6. Voting atmosphere devoid of fear of molestation and victimization.
7. Provisions for the representation of all interest groups in the legislature.
8. There should be an acceptable method of nominating candidates for elections.
9. The requirements for qualification as election candidate must be clearly stipulated.
10. Compilation of comprehensive voters’ register that should embrace all qualified voters.
11. Regular and public display of voters’ lists.
12. Periodic revision of voters’ lists.

TYPES OF ELECTORIAL SYSTEM

SIMPLE PLURALITY OR SIMPLE MAJORITY SYSTEM:  This is an electoral system in which the candidate with the highest number of votes is declared the winner though he might not have scored the majority of the votes cast. It is also called the first–past–the

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