(a) What are the functions of the Electoral Commission in the electoral process?
(b) What problems are likely to hinder the success of the commission in Nigeria?
Explanation
The following are the functions of the electoral commission:
(i) Conduct of election: It is involved in the conduct, organisation and administration of elections in a country.
(ii) Registration of voters: The electoral commission is responsible for the registration of eligible voters for any election. 3. Division of a country into constituencies
(iv)Type of voting: The electoral commission decides the type of voting system to be adopted.
(v) Provision of electoral materials: It provides ballot boxes, ink, papers and other needed election materials.
(vi) Registration of political parties; It has the power to screen and register political parties for elections.
(vii) Display of voters' register: It displays voters' register after registration.
(viii) Revision of voters' list: This is also one of the functions of the commission
(ix) Appointment and training of electoral officials: The commission is also mandated to recruit and train electoral officials for elections.
(x) Provision of polling booths: This is done in all the constituencies before the commencement of elections.
(xi) Enlightenment campaign: It is the function of the commission to educate and enlighten the people on the importance and processes of elections.
(xii) Counting and announcing of election results: The commission does the counting of votes after the election and also announces the final results.
(xiii) Provision of security; It works hand in hand with security operatives in making sure that enough security is provided during the elections.
(xiv) Grants to political parties: The commission is responsible for disbursing the federal government grants to all registered political parties.
5(b) Likely problems that may hinder the success of the electoral commission in Nigeria:
(i) Appointment of officials: Recruitment of officials making up the commission ought to be appointed through election, but if appointed by the executive, it can hinder the success of the commission
(ii) Political interference: This can affect the efficiency of the commission, if there is political interference in the affairs of the commission.
(iii) Independence of the commission: If the commission is not independent of the other arms of government e.g executive and legislature.
(iv) Appointment of honest, trustworthy and reliable officials: If these qualities are not found, it can hinder the success in Nigeria.
(v) Remuneration: If the remuneration of the officials are not adequate, constant, etc., and not paid from the consolidated fund.
(vi) Security of tenure: Lack of security of tenure can also hinder the success of the commission.
(vii) Merits: Officials of the commission should be appointed on merit, but when this is not done, the successes of the commission would be hindered.
(viii) Funding of the commission: If the funding is not from a central body but from the executive arm of government.
(ix) Dismissal of the officials: There are likely to be a hindrance if the executive arm of government is involved in the dismissal of the officials of the commission.