THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM OR ELECTION

It can be described as the process, arrangement or procedures established by the constitution, which allows qualified citizens of a country to go through by voting directly or indirectly to select those who will rule them and make laws on their behalf. The purpose of the electoral system is to select individuals directly or indirectly to run the affairs of government.

TYPES OF ELECTIONS

1.      General elections: these are elections usually held throughout the country to select the President, Members of Parliament, the Local Assembly members etc. Depending on the laws of a particular country general elections are held periodically. In Ghana for example, general elections are held every four years to choose both the President and members of the Legislature.

2.  Bye-election: bye-election is held to fill a vacant seat or seats in the Legislature or District        Assembly due to death, removal or resignation of a member of the Legislature. The newly          elected member serves for the remaining term of the member whose sear became vacant.

3.      Direct election: this type of election is normally conducted to allow all qualified adults voters to vote for candidates of their choice in an election. In direct election, all adults go to the polling station to cast their votes for a candidate of their choice. The candidate who obtain the highest number of votes is then declared elected. An example of direct election is Ghana’s general election.

4.      Indirect election: this is a type of election where the electorate first elects their representatives who then elect the president. An example is the Electoral College System in USA.

5.      Referendum: this type of election is usually conducted or held to allow the electorate express their view on a particular issue of public policy. The electorate are required to either “Yes” or “No” or choose from alternate policy proposals.


FUNCTIONS OR ROLES OF ELECTIONS

1.      It ensures smooth change of government

2.      It enables the citizens to elect their rulers and representatives

3.      It ensures political stability

4.      It enables qualified electorates to vote

5.      It helps promote the working of democracy

6.      It establishes legitimacy of government


PROBLEMS OF ELECTIONS

1.      Use of inexperienced electoral officers

2.      Problems with biometric machines

3.      Late supply of electoral materials on voting day

4.      Rigging in elections

5.      Violence

6.      Invalid ballots

7.      It breeds disunity.


CONDITIONS FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTION

1.      Existence of an independent and non-partisan Electoral Commission

2.      Provision of adequate security

3.      Availability of electoral materials

4.      Existence of acceptable electoral laws

5.      Appropriate demarcation of constituencies and polling stations

6.       Adequate political education of the electorate

7.      Periodic review and compilation of voters register.

8.      Adequate training and better remuneration of electoral officials

9.      Public counting, collation and immediate announce of results.