A call for a positive electoral system for the protection of the rights of voters, minorities and public accountability in Nigeria democracy

Abstract

One of the cardinal achievements of any nation is the principle of democracy which is the architect of a free and fair election. No nation  can move forward where democracy and rule of law are lacking. In Nigeria for example, there have been series of elections dating back  to colonial days up to the present time. In order to ensure that there is a positive electoral system for example in the country Nigeria, protection of the rights of the electorates, minorities and public accountability must be watchword of the government. This is because  where these are undermined they became attack on rule of law and democracy. This paper aimed at ensuring that there should be  adequate protection of the rights of voters. For this purpose, the paper adopted a doctrinal research method. Findings were revealed on the challenge to the protection of voters, minorities to wit; election violence, vote buying, bullying among others. The above necessitated  recommendations to the effect that adequate protections should be available to voters, minorities and equally, there should be public  accountability in our democratic process. The paper concluded that if all these views and recommendations are put into practice, Nigeria democracy or electoral system will be one of the best which would be emulated by other parts of the world.