One vote, endless possibilities [Infographic]

A core issue for the leading African nation is the issue of leadership. Just like many African countries, Nigeria has continued to experience a leadership problem; especially at the presidential level.

The Nigeria 2015 presidential election is slated for March 2015 and the two major contenders are the incumbent president; President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and a former Head of state and military General; Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

This report is a social research that aims to give an unbiased observer’s insight into Nigeria’s upcoming 2015 elections. Electoral events in each country are unique and reflect an individual country’s political and historical characteristics. While no single electoral system is equally suited to all countries, the electoral process should adhere to obligations and commitments to the voice of its people.

The writers of this report also intend to use this report as a tool to provide its readers with knowledge and understanding in areas that are significant for society with respect to the Nigeria election.

Introduction

The Government of the People by the people and for the people were words said Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Those words give a true representation of what democracy should be in any given nation. However, true democracy can only be achieved by a free electoral system.

Democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. One of the remarkable achievements of our time is Democracy, in which election sits at its heart because it is a vital growth of any electoral process.

The components that determine a true democratic electoral process are:

1.The Citizens: Individuals that have the right to choose and replace the their Government through free and fair election

2.The Politicians: These are citizens that are active in politics and are ready to take the mandate to lead the people. If elected

3.The Umpire: This is usually the electoral commission whose job is to ensures there is protection of Human rights and Votes in any given in any election

4.The Judiciary: The legal body responsible for ensuring the rule of law is respected by all stakeholders .

A school of thought states that “No consensus exists on how to define democracy but legal equality, freedom and the rule of law have always been identified as important characteristics”.

Electoral processes are aimed to structure the participation of all eligible citizens in its political process. In any given election, eligible citizens have the capacity to:1) vote for the passing/dismissal of laws or run for office during elections, 2) join political parties, sit on committees, and criticize or protest, 3) feel that some of their rights are protected, and finally receive a fair trial if accused of going against the law.

Presented below are the facts on the total number of registered voters as presented by INEC in each Geo-Political Landscape? PVC distribution hits 81.98% as reported by the Independent Electoral Commission on March 22nd , 2015 .With Lagos which has the highest number of registered voters (5,822,207) achieving 65.25 per cent PVC collection.