Abstract:
The research work examined the concept of Electoral Violence as perceived by some analysis of democratic elections. It traced the history of Electoral Violence in Nigeria. It also examined Electoral Violence during Governorship Elections in 2003 and 2007 with particular reference to Anambra State in the South Eastern Nigeria geo-political zone. The factors responsible for the Electoral Violence in 2003 and 2007 were examined.The work exposed the diverse dimensions of electoral violence manifest prior, during and after the election and consequent effects on lives and properties. Therefore, the objective of the study is to echo the fact that electoral violence, intimidation, corruption, indiscipline among other vices cannot ensure a democratic free society, good governance and stable society.Furthermore, this work highlighted the inefficiency of the security agents, their lack luster roles in the past general elections and the 2003 – 2007 governorship elections in Anambra State to project the need for their immediate reorientation and equipment for their primary role and importance to national assignment. The enthronement of a genuine civilian government has been an illusion to Nigeria as a nation and Anambra State in particular.The revelation that the unemployed youths of this nation, as ready tools for electoral violence, fall pray to the wicked hands of the insensible, selfish and dare devil profit oriented politicians, that regard politics as a do or die affairs, should serve as a turning point for creation of employment opportunities for the youths to cause scarcity and discouragement for the money bag politicians and their godsons, to ensure peaceful elections. Furthermore, this work touched on the causes of the inability of INEC as an electoral umpire not to have been able to conduct a generally adjudged credible, free and fair election acceptable to most Nigerians, local and international observers. It is therefore hoped that, the recommended electoral reformation, constitutional amendment and Electoral law review, will grant INEC true independence that would free it from tele guide of any sort and enslavement to conduct free fraudulent and violent elections for the country Nigeria.
