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Report/Paper
Political Money and Political Corruption: Considerations for Nigeria
November 28, 2003
Publication
Report/Paper
Promoting Electoral Access for Citizens with Disabilities: Considerations for Nigeria, INEC-Civil Society Forum Seminar on Agenda for Electoral Reform, 27-28 November 2003, Abuja, Nigeria
The right to participate in and stand for election is a fundamental human right. According to Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: “Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any of the distinctions mentioned in Article 2 and without unreasonable restrictions: (a) To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives’ (b) To vote and be elected at genuine periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors; (c) To have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his country.” The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights sets an international standard for the conduct of the elections and the right of participation in that process. In reviewing the Constitutional and legal framework of Nigeria’s electoral process, it is important to ensure that this framework meets international standards, while taking into account the nation’s experience and political and social environment. The right of participation of “every citizen” is one that must be guaranteed by law and by the way the electoral process is conducted. In Nigeria, citizens with disabilities face legal as well as practical barriers to equal participation in the electoral process. However, this electoral review affords the opportunity to ensure that the rights of citizens with disabilities are protected by law and by practice. There is no reliable data on how many of Nigeria’s approximately 120 million citizens live with some sort of physical or mental disability. Nigerian census officials last submitted statistics on disability to the United Nations over 12 years ago, estimating at that time that .5 percent of the population was disabled. This figure is not comparable to the international norm and is a severe under-estimate. In the United States, at least 6% of population has some form of obvious disability – is blind or visually impaired; deaf; a wheelchair user or has an intellectual disability. However, with Nigeria’s incidence of polio, nutritional problems and difficulties with access to healthcare, the percentage of Nigerians with obvious disabilities is likely to be higher – perhaps 10% or more. With an estimated population of 120 million, that would be more than 12 million citizens with disabilities – half of whom are of voting age, at least some 6 million people. This, of course, does not take into account persons with hidden or even undiagnosed disabilities, such as learning disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, etc. Section 17(2) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution states that “every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before law.” Do the Constitutional and legal provisions governing the conduct of elections guarantee this right for those Nigerian citizens with disabilities? Are Nigerians with disabilities able to equally participate in and stand for election?
November 26, 2003
Election Material
Ballot
United States (CA) State Special Election Ballot 2003
Ballot used in a statewide election in California on 7 October 2003. The ballot has two parts; the first asks if voters wanted to recall Governor Gray Davis, who had been accused of losing touch with his constituents, and the second part asked whom voters wanted to replace Governor Davis. The main candidates in the recall were Arnold SCHWARZENEGGER, Cruz BUSTAMANTE and Tom MCCLINTOCK.
Publication
Report/Paper
Reforming Critical Operational Strategies: INEC Post-Election Seminar, "2003 General Elections: The Lessons and the Way Forward" 28-30 July 2003
Constitutional provisions, electoral legislation, regulations and the policies and the administrative framework of the electoral management body all govern the means by which elections are conducted. Providing an opportunity for all eligible voters to choose their government representatives, through operations that are cost-effective, credible and secure is a major challenge for election management bodies. In reviewing the operational strategies of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria in its conduct of the 2003 federal and state elections, it is necessary to examine the major areas of its operational approach. In any electoral environment, there are similar key issues for which effective solutions have to be found if election operations are to promote public confidence in the integrity and professionalism of electoral management, and acceptance of election results. Some questions to ask in conducting this review are: 1. What are the most suitable arrangements for voter registration and for voting? 2. What are the ways to ensure that registration centres and polling stations are run by trained and professional staff? 3. What materials can be used to ensure the credibility of the process? 4. What are the logistics strategies, to ensure the necessary materials are available and that the operations run efficiently? INEC’s operational strategies, within the legislative and administrative framework, dictate how the elections are conducted, and whether their outcome will be accepted by the participants. If the operational strategies are successful, all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate fully in the process; registration centres and polling stations open on time and the periods of operations are respected; materials are adequately supplied and properly used; all necessary registration and election staff are present and conduct their duties according to the law and regulations; and the election results are compiled in a transparent manner, announced in a timely fashion and accepted, leading to the inauguration of the newly-elected officials. Shortcomings in the operational strategies lessen the credibility of the electoral process and in confidence of the electoral management body, paving the way for future difficulties with regard to respect for the conduct of elections and the democratic process as a whole.
July 27, 2003
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Virginia Election Laws 2003 Edition
Virginia Election Laws 2003 Edition
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Candidate's Guide
“Candidates Guide 2003” was issues by the Illinois State Board of Elections in 2003 and was meant to provide prospective candidates with a clear rubric for qualifying for the ballot. The literature includes chapters on the units of local government conducting elections in 2003 and necessary requirements to qualify for filling nomination papers.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Local Election Officials Handbook for the 2003 Consolidated Elections
“Local Elections Officials Hand Book of 2003” was issues by the Illinois State Board of Elections in 2003 and was meant to provide election officials with a manual for running a smooth electoral process. The booklet contains chapters on topics such as the registration process, nomination process, certification of candidates and absentee voting. The booklet also includes a detailed glossary on election specific terminology and a section that answers some frequently asked questions.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
School & Community College Supplement to the Local Election Officials Handbook
This document, issued by Illinois State Board of Elections in 2003, was meant to supplement the broader “Local Election Officials Hand Book of 2003.” This particular book covers school and community college districts and was made to help officials from these institutions administer polling stations more efficiently. A list of candidates along with their area of residence is provide, furthermore, registration documents such as “petition for nomination” forms are included as well.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
General Elections Sample Ballot
This booklet, released by the Miami-Dade Elections Department, details the upcoming November 5, 2002 congressional and local elections. The piece contains a mock ballot with candidates and amendments to Florida’s constitution that will be voted on as well; the ballot is in both English and Haitian Creole. The booklet also contains a section on frequently asked questions and a section on the physical process of voting.