WAEC Government 2019 Theory — Question 6

Model answer

(a) Types of elections include: (i) Direct election (ii) Indirect election (iii) General election (iv) Primary election (v) Bye-election (vi) Run-off election. (b) Election is a sine qua non — something necessary — in a democratic state. The purposes elections serve include: (i) Election serves as a means of checking the excesses of elected state officials, preventing arbitrary use of power. (ii) Election helps raise the political consciousness of the people and helps politically educate the masses, as political parties and civil society present their programmes to the electorate and stress the importance of voting. (iii) Through periodic elections, the popularity and acceptability of a government can be tested, conferring legitimacy on the government and its functionaries. (iv) Election is the most visible and effective means of political participation, allowing people to participate in government by standing for office or voting for representatives. (v) Election provides the platform for smooth leadership succession.