Elections,Social Insecurity and Nigeria's International Image:A Case Study of Elections between 1999-2011
Abstract:
This dissertation focuses on elections, social insecurity and Nigeria’s international image with its scope on elections between 1999-2011.The study deploys chronological assessment and analysis of the conduct and quality elections from colonial to post-colonial periods, highlighting the consequences of a flawed and questionable electoral process in Nigeria. This is demonstrated through electoral violence, political killings, bombing and wanton destruction of lives and properties of the citizenry, thereby creating a high level of social insecurity in the country and a battered international image. The methodology used in the study are explanatory, exploratory and textual approach, Data from secondary sources, such as books, journals, articles from newspaper, magazines, and internet were collected and then content analysis served as the technique adopted to compare and analyze the texts. The findings of the study reveal that, the conduct and quality of elections are the root causes of social insecurity in Nigeria, and elections causes a sense and a feeling of loss of power in some parts of Nigeria, thus leading to violence. It further projects Nigeria’s international image in a negative light. It also affects her relationship with other nations, especially in international relations. For example, the 2003 general elections were marred by violence and fraudulent practices. She was not well received in the international community and her image nose-dived during that period. But the 2011 general elections were regarded to be free and fair by the different elections monitoring groups from the international community. This restored Nigeria’s international image and she was well received in the international community. The study recommends that, INEC should be removed from the public service and be allowed to function independently in its finances and in its decision making processes without interference from government. Also the incentives and indeed the benefits that are attached to political offices should be rendered less attractive. The culture of violence as a means of winning elections at all cost should be eschewed from the polity, because it creates social tension and insecurity in the country which impact on the image of the nation as whole. Therefore, the study concludes by stating that, for peace and tranquility to reign in the polity, elections and indeed its conduct must be devoid of violence, fraudulent and questionable practices. It should demonstrate integrity, honesty and a credible process, these among other things will guarantees confidence and legitimacy from the people, which will also impact on the image of the nation.ORDER COMPLETE MATERIAL (CHAPTER 1-5)
