CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Muhammed, (2007) describes election rigging as a criminal conduct of subverting
an entire electoral process through massive organized fraud with the active
participation of officials of the electoral body. Election rigging takes place
in three phases: before, during and after elections.
Experience has shown that rigging can take many forms. It could be by stuffing
of the ballot box with fake ballot papers before the election day or on the
election day, falsification of results and forgery of figures both at polling
units and collation centers, voting by unregistered person and publication of
false statement of the withdrawal of a candidate.
Constructive ways of rigging elections include creating artificial scarcity of
ballot papers in “safe” polling booths of the opponents, diversion or snatching
of ballot boxes between polling booths and counting centers and abduction of
returning officers. All these actions are usually perpetrated for
gratification.
He added that rigging an election remains the single most incendiary
malpractice that can easily throw the entire election process into violent
upheaval. In Nigeria’s experience, there were occasions when announcement
revealed as winners candidates completely outside the expectations of the
majority of the electorate.
In the same vein, mass media play a crucial role in fostering an environment of
good governance and political awareness in society. As the watchdog and
interpreter of public issues and events, the media has a special role in every
society. In information-based society; the media have a disproportionately
visible and influential role says International Foundation for Election
Systems, (2011).
IFES (2011) added that democracy cannot exist in the absence of the press. This
is because democracy is based on popular will and popular opinion depends on
the public’s awareness and knowledge. It is the mass media that brings up,
promotes and propagates public awareness.
Fischer, (2002) says the main responsibility of the press is to provide
comprehensive, analytical and factual news and opinion to the people on
everyday issues and events of popular concern. To fulfill its duty and
responsibility, the press must work according to the fundamental principles of
professional ethics, as well as norms and values of journalism.
Goodman, (2010) opines that democracy can neither be sustainable nor strong
without a free press. On the other hand, press freedom will not be possible
without democracy. Therefore, the mass media and journalists must be committed to
democracy. For this, the press must be perpetually involved in the
establishment and promotion of a democratic culture.
Held, (2006) also observes the fact that access to information is a citizen’s
right and must be taken to heart, and information must be presented in a simple
and palatable manner. Right to information is inherent in democratic
functioning and a pre-condition for good governance and the realization of all
other human rights, including education and health care.
The main objectives should be the promotion of transparency and accountability
in governance so as to minimize corruption and inefficiency in public office
and to ensure the public’s participation in governance and decision making.
Media must be credible and trustworthy. Trust is the most valuable asset for
any media. Once lost, it cannot be earned back. It is for this reason that all
media must uphold their principles to provide accurate and factual news and
other programmes.
Jones, (2001). Press must understand the difference between politics in general
and party politics. Media should not be a vehicle, or used as an advocate for
any political party or ideology.
Media plays the role of watch-dog in reporting corruption, complacency and
negligence. In a changing, competitive landscape, compliance to good governance
has never been taken so seriously, as people demand more transparency from both
the government and private sectors.
Responsible practices from government, universal principles on human rights and
the fight against corruption have assumed great importance.
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