CHAPTER 1----INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The issue of vote buying had in recent times constituted a fundamental phenomenon in the Nigerian political system. The desire to achieve a democratic system of government has been overtaken by the issue of vote buying. This phenomenon is fast weakening the democratic institution of the economy. The nature at which votes are being traded for money aptly describes Nigeria’s electoral politics as “cash-and-carry democracy”. This situation projects grave danger for the future of the Nigerian political system if not urgently addressed. The concept of vote buying denote “the exchange of financial and material reward by a voter to a political party or candidate to cast a vote in his favour or even abstain from voting so as to increase the candidates chance of winning the elections. The issue of vote buying is therefore seen as a contract between the voter and the buying candidate or political party. Recent experience shows that vote buying is conducted during voter registration, the nomination period, campaigning and election day. Butessentially dominant during the election for the purpose of casting votes for the buying candidate. The scenario is compared to a market where the voters are the sellers and the political candidate the seller and the instrument of exchange is the money. The money for buying the vote is paid to the voter before or after the casting of vote with evidence that the vote has been casted. The value of the vote is determined by level of desperation of politicians to win in a locality. Although money and other valuables can be used to effectuate vote buying, political actors have adopted two main approaches to buying votes for Election Day. The vote buying practice, which is contrary to the electoral laws, has in recent times constituted a challenge to the electoral system in Nigeria. The study seeks to appraise the menace of vote buying in Nigeria electoral system; issues, effect, causes, and solution.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The issue of vote buying is fast destroying the democratic principles of Nigeria. It has eroded the confidence of the people on the true leadership of the country. The menace has undermined the integrity of the Nigerian people. It is a deliberate closure of the exercise of the free display of the will of the voters. This situation undermines the credibility, integrity and validity of the election. Vote buying leads to bad government; because the process which led to the emergence of the leader is not constitutionally right the electorate may not have the right to question it when things go bad and the promises made not fulfilled.
The consequences sometimes far more exceed the money received for casting the votes and it is the economy that suffers the children and the future. These monies are subsequently recovered from the system by the politicians as cost incurred for coming into power. The problem confronting the study is to Appraise the menace of vote buying in Nigeria electoral system; issues, effect and solution.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main study objective is to investigate the menace of vote buying in Nigeria electoral system; issues, effect and solution; While the specific objectives of the study include;
- To determine the level of vote buying in the Nigerian election.
- To appraise the causes of vote buying in Nigeria.
- To determine the effects of vote buying in the Nigerian electoral process.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- What is the level of vote buying in the Nigerian election?
- What are the causes of vote buying in Nigeria?
- What are the effects of vote buying in the Nigerian electoral process?
1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Ho1: There is no significant effect of vote buying in the Nigerian electoral process.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The current wave of electoral malpractices is fast weakening the democratic principles in the country. This has resulted to a high level of vote buying. The studies seek to call the attention of stakeholders to arise and tackle the menace with the view of reviving democratic institution and good governance in the country. It shall also be useful to government policy makers.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the appraisal of the menace of vote buying in Nigeria; issues, effect, causes, and solution.
VOTE BUYING DEFINED
The concept of vote buying denote “the exchange of financial and material reward by a voter to a political party or candidate to cast a vote in his favour or even abstain from voting so as to increase the candidates chance of winning the elections. The issue of vote buying is therefore seen as a contract between the voter and the buying candidate or political party. Recent experience shows that vote buying is conducted during voter registration, the nomination period, campaigning and election day.
ELECTORAL VIOLENCE DEFINED
The act of conflict, physical assault, destruction, intimidation
INTIMIDATION DEFINED
The act of exacting pressure on the electorate so that they vote in a particular direction.
