CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1
Background to the Study
Muhammed, (2007) describes election
rigging is a criminal conduct of subverting an entire electoral process through
massive organized fraud with the active participation of officials of the
electoral body. Election rigging takes place in three phases: before, during
and after elections.
Experience has shown that rigging can
take many forms. It could be by stuffing of the ballot box with fake ballot
papers before the election day or on the election day, falsification of results
and forgery of figures both at polling units and collation centers, voting by
unregistered person and publication of false statement of the withdrawal of a
candidate.
Constructive ways of rigging elections
include creating artificial scarcity of ballot papers in “safe” polling booths
of the opponents, diversion or snatching of ballot boxes between polling booths
and counting centers and abduction of returning officers. All these actions are
usually perpetrated for gratification.
He added that rigging an election
remains the single most incendiary malpractice that can easily throw the entire
election process into violent upheaval. In Nigeria’s experience, there were
occasions when announcement revealed as winners candidates completely outside
the expectations of the majority of the electorate.
In the same vein, mass media play a
crucial role in fostering an environment of good governance and political
awareness in society. As the watchdog and interpreter of public issues and
events, the media has a special role in every society. In information-based
society; the media have a disproportionately visible and influential role says
International Foundation for Election Systems, (2011).
IFES (2011) added that democracy
cannot exist in the absence of the press. This is because democracy is based on
popular will and popular opinion depends on the public’s awareness and
knowledge. It is the mass media that brings up, promotes and propagates public
awareness.
Fischer, (2002) says the main
responsibility of the press is to provide comprehensive, analytical and factual
news and opinion to the people on everyday issues and events of popular
concern. To fulfill its duty and responsibility, the press must work according
to the fundamental principles of professional ethics, as well as norms and values
of journalism.
Goodman, (2010) opines that democracy
can neither be sustainable nor strong without a free press. On the other hand,
press freedom will not be possible without democracy. Therefore, the mass media
and journalists must be committed to democracy. For this, the press must be
perpetually involved in the establishment and promotion of a democratic
culture.
Held, (2006) also observes the fact
that access to information is a citizen’s right and must be taken to heart, and
information must be presented in a simple and palatable manner. Right to
information is inherent in democratic functioning and a pre-condition for good
governance and the realization of all other human rights, including education
and health care.
The main objectives should be the
promotion of transparency and accountability in governance so as to minimize
corruption and inefficiency in public office and to ensure the public’s
participation in governance and decision making.
Media must be credible and
trustworthy. Trust is the most valuable asset for any media. Once lost, it
cannot be earned back. It is for this reason that all media must uphold their
principles to provide accurate and factual news and other programmes.
Jones, (2001). Press must understand
the difference between politics in general and party politics. Media should not
be a vehicle, or used as an advocate for any political party or ideology.
Media plays the role of watch-dog in reporting
corruption, complacency and negligence. In a changing, competitive landscape,
compliance to good governance has never been taken so seriously, as people
demand more transparency from both the government and private sectors.
Responsible practices from government,
universal principles on human rights and the fight against corruption have
assumed great importance.
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