Project Materials

The Security Implication of Election Rigging in 3rd World Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background To The Study

The rigging of Election involves the interference of the process of election illegally through the increase of the vote proportion of the favoured candidate, reducing the vote proportion of rival candidates or both. The nature of election rigging varies from country to country. While some kinds of election rigging are outlawed in electoral legislation; there are others which a total violation of general laws, including the ban on assault, libel or harassment. However election rigging covers all illegal acts and legal acts which are considered morally unacceptable in election or which are in violation of the principles of democracy. Myagkov, Mikhail G.; Peter C. Ordeshook; Dimitri Shakin (2009). An election which involves the presentation only one candidate, are sometimes regarded as illegal although they may comply with the law and are presented more as referendums. In national elections, a successful election rigging can result in the breakdown of law and order in the society and consequently an overthrow of government. Sometimes a little amount of fraud may be enough to change the result in a narrow election. Election rigging if not checked can reduce voters confidence in the democracy. Each country therefore enshrines in the legal process what are regarded as election rigging and are considered sabotage of the highest degree Alvarez, Michael; Hall, Thad; Hyde, Susan (2008). The research seek to investigate the Security Implication of Election Rigging in 3rd World Countries: A case study of Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While some kinds of election rigging are outlawed in electoral legislation, there are others which a total violation of general laws, including the ban on assault, libel or harassment. However election rigging covers all illegal acts and legal acts which are considered morally unacceptable in election or which are in violation of the principles of democracy. Myagkov, Mikhail G.; Peter C. Ordeshook; Dimitri Shakin (2009). There are great consequences in election rigging if discovered .It could result in physical retaliation, violence or threat of violence. Incidences reveals that voters have been attacked for voting to an opponents in an election while reprisal violence have been meted out to communities regarded to have voted wrongly in an election. In other instances people are denied their basic rights and social amenities for voting for an opponent’s. The problem confronting the research is to determine The Security Implication of Election Rigging in 3rd World Countries: A case study of Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To appraise the general nature of election in 3rd world countries.

2. To determine the nature of election rigging in 3rd world countries.

3. To appraise the Security Implication of Election Rigging in 3rd World Countries: A case study of Nigeria.

Election rigging covers all illegal acts and legal acts which are considered morally unacceptable in election or which are in violation of the principles of democracy. Myagkov, Mikhail G.; Peter C. Ordeshook; Dimitri Shakin (2009).There are great consequences in election rigging if discovered. It could result in physical retaliation, violence or threat of violence. Incidences reveals that voters have been attacked for voting to an opponents in an election while reprisal violence have been meted out to communities regarded to have voted wrongly in an election. In other instances people are denied their basic rights and social amenities for voting for an opponent’s.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is Election Rigging?

2. What is the security implication of Election rigging in 3rd world countries?

3. What is the Security Implication of Election Rigging in 3rd Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study shall proffer an appraisal of the Security Implication of Election Rigging in 3rd World Countries: A case study of Nigeria.

The rigging of Election involves the interference of the process of election illegally through the increase of the vote proportion of the favoured candidate, reducing the vote proportion of rival candidates or both. The nature of election rigging varies from country to country. While some kinds of election rigging are outlawed in electoral legislation; there are others which a total violation of general laws, including the ban on assault, libel or harassment. However election rigging covers all illegal acts and legal acts which are considered morally unacceptable in election or which are in violation of the principles of democracy. Myagkov, Mikhail G.; Peter C. Ordeshook; Dimitri Shakin (2009).

1.6 Research Hypothesis

Ho: The Security Implication of Election Rigging in Nigeria is low.

Hi: The security implication of Election Rigging in Nigeria is high.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study shall focuses on the appraisal of The Security Implication of Election Rigging in 3rd World Countries: A case study of Nigeria.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study was confronted by some constraints including logistics and geographical factor.

1.9 Definition of Terms

ELECTION RIGGING DEFINED

The rigging of Election involves the interference of the process of election illegally through the increase of the vote proportion of the favoured candidate, reducing the vote proportion of rival candidates or both. The nature of election rigging varies from country to country .While some kinds of election rigging are outlawed in electoral legislation; there are others which a total violation of general laws, including the ban on assault, libel or harassment. However election rigging covers all illegal acts and legal acts which are considered morally unacceptable in election or which are in violation of the principles of democracy. Myagkov, Mikhail G.; Peter C. Ordeshook; Dimitri Shakin (2009).

SECURITY DEFINED

The act of providing protection to people and property.

LEGAL

A process or document which is recognized by the laws or constitution of a place.