Question 8
(a) Name five alternative strategies desperate politicians are likely to use to win elections.
(b) Explain five effective measures that could be taken to checkmate desperate Politicians from winning elections at all cost.
Observation
This question was not attempted by majority of the candidates and the performance of those who attempted it was good. They were able to interpret the questions and give points. Additional points candidates missed out are:
A. Alternative strategies desperate politicians are likely to use to win elections
- Snatching of ballot boxes/papers
- Over-voting/rigging of elections
- Self-declaration as winner
- Buying of votes/voters card
- Bribing of electoral officials to falsify results
- Use of thugs to drive away voters who are likely to vote for their opponents
- Manipulation of electoral constituencies to favour them/gerrymandering
- Blackmailing/intimidation of opponents to arouse public rejection/hate speech
- Threatening of electoral officials
- Voters suppression and intimidation
B. EFFECTIVE MEASURES THAT COULD BE TAKEN TO CHECKMATE DESPERATE POLITICIANS FROM WINNING ELECTIONS AT ALL COST
- Absolute independence of the electoral body
- Appointment of people of impeccable integrity as electoral officials
- Provision of adequate security before, during and after elections
- Transparency in voting and counting of votes
- Voters education/sensitization of citizens about the danger of electoral malpractices
- Free, fair and non-partisan press/press reporting
- Enforcement of electoral law and guidelines
- Existence of independence and non-partisan Election Tribunals and Courts for election petitions