In what five ways can elections be made free and fair in a country?
Explanation
(i) Existence of an impartial and independent electoral commission.
(ii) Periodic and regular elections.
(iii) Proper delineation of the country into constituencies/districts.
(iv) Compilation and availability of comprehensive votes register.
(v) Regular and periodic public display of voters’ list.
(vi) Polling offices and officers, ballot boxes and papers and other necessary election personnel and materials should be adequately provided.
(vii) Voting atmosphere devoid of fear of molestation intimidation and victimization.
(viii) The requirement for qualification for election must be clearly stipulated and adequately publicized.
(ix) Counting of ballot papers/votes should be publicly done and the results declared immediately.
(x) All elections materials should be tightly secured.
(xi) The electorate should be given adequate political education.
(xii) Equal access to the media by candidates and political education.
(xiii) Existence of an Independent Judiciary
(xiv) Opportunity, to challenge election results.
(xv) Existence of multi-party system.