Elections are critical aspects of the democratic framework for governing modern political societies. They serve as instrument of political choice, mobilisation and accountability.
In the context of liberal democracy which has become the most popular form of democracy in a unipolar world, elections are to facilitate a smooth transition from one civilian administration to the other, and help in legitimising sitting governments. In a democratic system where elections are devoid of crisis, long-term disputes or political violence, are amicably resolved. Such a system enhances the prospect for political stability, peace, development and continuity in governance.
The Nigerian experience with general elections has shown that the political elite has not fully come to terms with the referents of elections for democratic sustenance and national security. More often than not, the elite has failed to play by the rules of competitive electoral politics which prioritises politics of tolerance, conflict and consensus, bargaining and compromise. They see elections as warfare, characterised by gangsterism and political disorder.
Security could take different forms. There is human security, national security, and so on. National security implies the appropriation and deployment of state apparatus of coercive force to deal with the situation of crisis, nationally or internationally. Human security involves protecting the citizenry from hunger, disease, poverty, unemployment, natural disasters, etc. However, all these can only take place where there is peace and stability in the polity.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Methodist Prelate Laments Worsening Insecurity, Seeks Credible Elections – THISDAYLIVE
Read more »
Fears over 2023 general elections | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World NewsThe demons of democracy are up and running; rearing their ugly heads through muck-raking, mud-slinging and smear campaigns against their perceived political foes.
Read more »
US: No preferred candidate in Nigeria's elections | sponsors of violence will be denied visa | TheCableThe United States government says that it would deny visas to anyone who encourages electoral violence in the 2023 general election in Nigeria.
Read more »
Elections: Maintain integrity and neutrality, NAF chief tells officers | TheCableOladayo Amao, chief of air staff (CAS), has asked personnel to be apolitical and remain neutral in the elections scheduled to take place in February and March. According to a
Read more »
2023 elections: You all not addressing issues - Primate Ayodele attacks presidential candidatesThe leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Sunday berated top candidates in the forthcoming presidential election for not
Read more »
2023 elections: We will not sit on the fence - African Church declaresThe youths of the African Church, Akwa Ibom State chapter have announced their decision to take active part in electing credible leaders in the forth
Read more »