By: Sunny Orbih
Veritas university Abuja
In any democratic society, the integrity of elections is paramount. Free, fair, and credible elections serve as the foundation upon which legitimate governments are built. However, electoral fraud; the deliberate manipulation of the electoral process poses a grave threat to democracy, eroding public trust in governance and undermining the will of the people.
While crimes such as armed robbery directly affect individuals or a small group, electoral fraud impacts the entire society, distorting representation, perpetuating bad governance, and fostering political instability. Given its far-reaching consequences, electoral fraud should be treated with the severity it deserves. Those found guilty must not only relinquish stolen mandates but also face stringent penalties, including imprisonment, a lifetime ban from politics, and the forfeiture of all benefits accrued during the pendency of their fraudulent tenure.
Forms of electoral fraud and their devastating impact
Electoral fraud takes various forms, each designed to subvert the democratic process. Below are some of the most prevalent tactics used to manipulate elections:
1. Voter Suppression: Voter suppression involves deliberate efforts to prevent eligible individuals or groups from voting. Tactics include strict voter identification requirements, voter roll purges, a reduction in polling stations, and discriminatory registration practices. These strategies disproportionately target marginalized communities, effectively silencing their voices and skewing election outcomes.
2. Ballot Stuffing:
Ballot stuffing occurs when fraudulent votes are added to the electoral process, either through pre-marked ballots, forged voter identities, or tampered ballot boxes. This practice distorts election results and undermines the credibility of the democratic process.
3. Ballot Box Snatching and Destruction of Electoral Materials:
The snatching of ballot boxes and destruction of voting materials remain major threats to electoral integrity. These criminal acts not only disenfranchise voters but also create chaos and fear, discouraging participation in future elections. The resulting uncertainty and violence can plunge communities into turmoil.
4. Voter Intimidation:
Voter intimidation involves tactics such as threats, harassment, and misinformation designed to discourage individuals from voting. This practice is often targeted at opposition strongholds, suppressing turnout and influencing election results.
5. Electoral Bribery (Vote Buying/Selling):
Electoral bribery, commonly known as vote buying and selling, is the act of exchanging votes for money, goods, or promises of employment or appointments. This undermines democracy by allowing candidates to “*purchase power”* rather than earn it through merit. It also encourages corruption, as elected officials would seek to recover their *”investment”* while in office through unethical means.
6. Misappropriation of State Resources:
Public resources are often misappropriated to support the ruling party’s candidates. This includes using government funds for campaign expenses, deploying security forces to intimidate opponents, and leveraging public institutions to favor certain candidates. Such actions create an uneven playing field, making elections unfair and uncompetitive.
7. Disenfranchisement of Voters by the Electoral Umpire:
The independence of electoral bodies, such as Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is crucial for credible elections. However, there have been allegations of deliberate voter disenfranchisement during elections. INEC has been accused of;
• Inadequate voters’ registration:* Limited registration centers and materials which hindered many eligible voters from registering.
*• PVC distribution failure:* Many voters, particularly in opposition strongholds, are often time unable to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before election day.
• Reduction of polling stations:* The closure of polling units in certain areas makes it difficult for voters to cast their ballots, leading to long queues and voter frustration.
• Deliberate Technical Hitches:* incessant malfunctioning of card readers and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) raises suspicions of deliberate sabotage.
8. Pre-writing of Election Results:*
Perhaps the most alarming trend is the alleged pre-writing of election results. In some instances, election results are reportedly predetermined, with figures allocated to candidates before voting even takes place. These fraudulent results are handed over to returning officers to announce, regardless of actual voter turnout. This practice completely undermines the electoral process, rendering citizens’ votes meaningless.
The Far-Reaching Consequences of Electoral Fraud.
Unlike armed robbery, which affects individuals or a small group, electoral fraud harms the entire nation. The consequences include:
1. Loss of Public Trust in Democracy: When citizens believe their votes do not count, they become disengaged from the democratic process, leading to widespread voter apathy.
2. Perpetuation of Bad Governance: Fraudulent elections produce leaders who lack legitimacy, resulting in poor governance, corruption, and policy failures.
3. Political Instability: Electoral fraud fuels resentment and division, increasing the likelihood of protests, civil unrest, and violence.
4. Economic Consequences: Political instability and illegitimate leadership discourage foreign investment, weaken institutions, and hinder national development.
The Need for Severe Punishment
To deter electoral fraud and safeguard democracy, those found guilty of electoral fraud must face harsh penalties such as:
1. Mandatory period of Imprisonment: Electoral fraud is a crime against the state, not just individuals. Just as armed robbers receive long prison sentences, electoral offenders should be jailed to reflect the gravity of their actions.
2. Lifetime Ban from partisan politics: Individuals who are convicted of manipulating elections results should be permanently barred from holding elective public offices. This will ensure they do not continue to corrupt the democratic process.
3. Forfeiture of Illegitimate Gains: Anyone who attains office through fraudulent means by way of electoral fraud should be made to return all salaries, allowances, and benefits received during their tenure in office. Public funds should not be used to reward criminality.
Electoral fraud is a direct assault on democracy, with consequences far worse than armed robbery. While an armed robber may steal from individuals, electoral fraudsters steal from the entire society, robbing citizens of their rights, misrepresenting their will, and jeopardizing national stability.
For democracy to thrive, electoral integrity must be non-negotiable. The forms of fraud outlined in this paper highlight the various tactics used to subvert elections.
Addressing these issues requires stringent laws, firm enforcement, and political will.
If an armed robber can receive a 25-year jail term for stealing from an individual or robbing a bank, then those who steal elections—thereby endangering an entire nation; should face even stricter penalties. Only through decisive action can we restore faith in democracy and ensure that power remains in the hands of the people.©
