Week 5 and 6 – Jss 3 Second Term Civic Education Notes

WEEK FIVE

TOPIC: ELECTORAL BODIES IN NIGERIA

INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC)

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the main agent of democracy in Nigeria. INEC is a permanent body created by the constitution to organize Federal, state and Local Government council elections in Nigeria.
Functions of Electoral Commission

1. They educate Nigerian citizens about democracy and election process in Nigeria
2. Registration of voters and party candidates: They organize how voters are registered before elections. It also provides registers for candidates contesting for various political positions under various political parties e.g APC, PDP etc.
3. Delimitation of constituency: They demarcate constituency boundaries for elections into Houses of Assembly, Representatives and that of the Senate.
4. They control political parties Electoral commissions monitor the activities of political parties in Nigerian.
5. They promote Democracy: They promote an enduring democratic culture in Nigeria through transparency.

State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC)

Following the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the state Independent Electoral commission has power to

1. Organize, undertake and supervise all elections to local Government within a state.
2. Advise INEC on the compilation and Register of voters for Local Government election.

   The SIEC has its own chairman and seven other persons that are normally appointed by INEC

 Evaluation
See your work book for exercise.

 WEEK SIX

FREE AND FAIR ELECTION

Over the years, electoral malpractices have been a major problems confronting the country. Nigeria. Hence, the need for free and fair elections in Nigeria.

1. The free and fair election is inevitable because it enhances peaceful co-existence of people in a country.
2. It allows for visionary and dedicated leaders to emerge at all level in the country that will contribute positively to the growth and development of the country.
3. The need to project the country’s name in the international community across the globe.
4. Free and fair election helps to strengthen the democratic institution such as Legislature, Independent National Electoral commission, Judiciary, press etc.
5. It foster democracy.

 Evaluation
See your work book for exercise.