WAEC Government 2014 Theory — Question 7

Model answer

i. In order to make elections free and fair in any country, it is important for adequate preparation and provisions to be made for the security of election materials such as ballot boxes and papers, and also the security of electoral officers and voters, so they can perform their duties without fear of intimidation. ii. The body responsible for organising and conducting elections (the electoral commission) must be independent and should not be subjected to manipulation by politicians and those in government. iii. The principle of Universal Adult Suffrage, which accords all qualified adults in a country the right to vote and be voted for, should be followed in order for elections to be free and fair. iv. Voters must feel free to exercise their voting rights without fear of harassment or intimidation. When this is done, people would be encouraged to come out in large numbers to cast their votes, making elections more free and fair. v. Electoral offenders, such as those who were arrested for rigging or disrupting the electoral process, are to be punished by the court of law. This would discourage others from engaging in electoral malpractices and make the conduct of elections free and fair.