Electoral Malpractices.

 Meaning of Electoral Malpractice

An Electoral Malpractice is any illegal conduct or behaviour by a voter, political party, candidate or electoral officer that could hinder the exercise of a free and fair election.

Types of Electoral Malpractices

There are several negative electoral practices that can cause problems in Nigeria. 

These electoral malpractices include:

a. Multiple voting by party supporters;

b. Falsifying election results;

c. Inflating election figures;

d. Violence during an election;

e. Using hoodlums to scare voters away;

f. General insecurity;

g. Under-age voting; and

h. Financial inducement during voting, etc.

Causes of Electoral Malpractices

1. Greed: One of the causes of electoral malpractices is the selfish desire of some people to acquire money and property by any means. This makes them a willing tool in the hands of politicians who give them money to cause violence during an election.

2. Laxity in the Electoral System: An electoral system that is not sufficiently thorough in laying down rules and regulations for the conduct of elections may allow a lot of loopholes for illegal and dishonest electoral malpractices.

3. Ignorance and Illiteracy: Desperate politicians often capitalize on some ignorant voters' lack of political awareness, especially of their rights, and influence them to perpetrate electoral fraud.

4.  Ambition to Win Power at all costs: Desperate politicians usually view the election into public office as a veritable meal ticket. Therefore, they like to do anything it takes to get into the elective position they contest for.

5. The attractiveness of Political Office: Many politicians see public offices as big business. The expensive lifestyles of politicians can inspire the desire of intending candidates to win elections at all costs.