The purposes and functions of elections in the political systems include the Clarification of Issues, Selection of Candidates for Public Office, Peaceful Transfer of Power, Political Participation and Communication.
The term 'suffrage' is often used interchangeable with franchise. Nevertheless, they both mean the same thing. Suffrage or franchise is the right or privilege granted by the state to members of a community to participate in an election or a referendum. This means that anyone who has this right can vote in an election or take part in a referendum.
Universal adult suffrage is sometimes called unlimited suffrage or unlimited franchise. It means that every citizen who has reached the age of maturity has the right to vote. In practice, the universal adult suffrage does not operate in any country
Absolute majority is another form of geographical representation. It means that a candidate is elected if he secured more than 50% of the total votes cast in an election. To secure an absolute majority the candidate must win at least 50% + 1% (51%) of the total votes.
The functions and Powers of a government are usually defined by the constitution of the state. The basic functions of government are as follows - Maintenance of Law And Order, Making and Enforcing Law
Thus government as a process or the art of governing refers to the way public business is carried out. In carrying out public business, there is the need for the use of creative skills. Policies have to be adapted to the prevailing situation. Thus is precisely why governing is an art.
Stages of Elections - Election is the act of electing candidates to represent the people of a given country in the Parliament, the executive and possibly into the other arms of government as stipulated in the Constitution of that particular country.
An Electoral Commission is a body responsible for organising and conducting elections in a political system. It can also be seen as an independent and impartial body responsible for conducting and organising all elections in a given country.
The Lagos Constitutional Conference was held in Lagos in 1958 as a followup to the London Conference of 1957. The major issues discussed and resolved at the conference included the following.
The state and the government, for obvious reasons, perform similar functions. The major functions of the state are as follows: - Maintenance of Law and Order
Why Do We Study Government? - After this, a students of Government may not find it difficult to answer the question: why study Government? Nevertheless, the study of Government is important for the following reasons.
To many students of Government, the state is esoteric, or at best abstract. It is seen as something hanging in the air with no relevance to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Government as an institution of the state may be defined as a machinery established by the state to organize the state, manage it’s affairs and administer it’s functions and duties. It is also seen as a machinery through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and realised.
The main features of the 1979 constitution of Nigeria second republic included the following - Promotion of National Unity, Introduction of Presidential System of Government, National Assembly, The Judiciary and Retention of Federalism System of Government.
The 1979 republican constitution which came into effect on 1st October, 1979 was the first post-military constitution in Nigeria. The constitution was prepared and promulgated by the Murtala/Obasanjo Federal Military Government but not until after several futile attempts had been made by previous military governments to implement a transition programme.
The 1989 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was unique in many respects. Unlike previous ones, the 1989 Constitution was never fully implemented. In other words, it did not lead to the total disengagement of the military from politics.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 1999 Constitution Of Federal Republic Of Nigeria - 4th Republican Constitution
Merits of 1999 Constitution Of Nigeria
The major advantages and arguments in favour of the 1999 Constitution include the following:
1. The retention of the federal system of government is a realistic and pragmatic decision. Federalism remains...
