Q. For any election to be democratic it must be free and fair. Identify and explain the main conditions for free and fair election. {NECTA 2009}.

ANSWER:

Conditions for free & fair elections

For elections to be said to be free and fair, the pre-election, election, and post election periods must be characterized by the opening up of democratic space, respect of human rights, and the protection of fundamental civil and political rights of all citizens.

A ‘free’ electoral process is one where fundamental human rights and freedoms are respected. These include:

• Freedom of speech and expression by electors, parties, candidates and the media
• Freedom of association; that is, freedom to form organizations such as political parties and NGOs
• Freedom of assembly, to hold political rallies and to campaign
• Freedom of access to and by electors to transmit and receive political and electoral messages
• Freedom to register as an elector, a party or a candidate
• Freedom from violence, intimidation or coercion
• Freedom of access to the polls by electors, party agents and accredited observers
• Freedom to exercise the franchise in secret and
• Freedom to question, challenge and register complains or objections without negative repercussions.