Steemit Engagement Challenge S5-W1: Elections In My Country

"There is no country in the world with the diversity, confidence and talent and black pride like Nigeria."
-Binyavanga Wainaina

Introduction

I am a citizen of Nigeria and currently resident here. I have been an active part of just 1 election process and actively looking forward to the next one as it is gradually shaping up to be the most interesting, in recent times. The system of governance in Nigeria is a three tiered one with the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary as its three main pillars. The President is the head of state and government and is directly elected by the people. The Vice President is the second in command and is also directly elected by the people.

The Tiers of Government

The Executive is responsible for implementing the laws passed by the Legislature and for carrying out the day-to-day operations of the government. The President is assisted by the Vice President and a cabinet of Ministers. The President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and has the power to declare a state of emergency.

The Legislature is responsible for making laws. The Senate and the House of Representatives each have the power to pass bills into law. The President has the power to veto any bill passed by the Legislature. If the President vetoes a bill, the Legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each house.

The Judiciary is responsible for interpreting the laws. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and is composed of a Chief Justice and 8 other Justices. The Supreme Court has the power to strike down any law that it finds to be unconstitutional.

The Concept of Democracy

We practice democracy which means that the people have the power to elect their leaders. Every four years, we have a general election in which we elect the President and Vice President. We also elect members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Local elections are held every four years to elect governors and state legislators.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is one of the two major political parties in Nigeria. The other major political party is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The APC is a centre-right party while the PDP is a centre-left party.

The APC was founded in 2013. It is the merger of four smaller political parties. The APC is the ruling party. The President, Muhammadu Buhari, is a member of the APC. The APC has the majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The PDP was founded in 1998. It is the largest political party in Nigeria. The PDP controlled the government from 1999 to 2015. The PDP is the opposition party.

Recently, the emergence of the former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, has made his current political party- Labour Party (LP) to be more visible and active. The party is more visible during election cycles and has been more active in terms of party politics and policies.

The Effectiveness of Democracy

Democracy has been somewhat effective in governing Nigeria. It has brought about some level of stability and has allowed for a peaceful transfer of power. However, democracy has also been marred by some level of corruption and election rigging.

The major election method utilized in Nigeria is the first past the post system. The candidate with the most votes wins the election. This system is simple and easy to understand. However, it can sometimes lead to results that are not representative of the will of the people. Also, there is the constitutional requirement for the winning presidential aspirant to win 25% across at least twenty-four states of the federation in the 2023 election.

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As previously stated, I have previously participated in an election process in the past and I am looking forward to the coming election too. I believe that the process is essential in a democracy and that it should be taken seriously by all citizens. I also believe that the process can be improved and that more people should participate in it.

My experience participating in an election process was a positive one. I was able to learn about the process and how it works. I also got to meet new people and hear their views on the election. Overall, I think that the experience was a good one. Notwithstanding the positive side of my experience, I think that the process can be improved. For example, I think that there should be more education on the process and on the importance of voting. I also think that the process should be more accessible to people and active steps should be taken to curb the resultant violence that characterizes election processes in Nigeria.

"Nigeria shed the last of a succession of brutal military dictatorships in 1997 and adopted a democratic form of government only in 1999. Our elections of 2003, 2007, and 2011 were complicated and fraught with tension, but each one has shown remarkable progress."
-Uzodinma Iweala

Notwithstanding the elements that militate against free and fair elections in Nigeria, I still believe the system of governance that fits our multidimensional is the democracy which we currently practice because it is the will of the people. It is impossible to please every single Nigerian citizen, but when election results indicate the interest of majority of the citizens entitled to Universal Adult Suffrage, I believe it is fair enough.

In conclusion, Nigeria is a country with a lot of potential. It is a country that is rich in resources and has a lot of talented people. I believe that with the right leadership, Nigeria can be a great country. I am hopeful for the future of Nigeria and I believe that the country is moving in the right direction.

I will like to state that I am proud to be a Nigerian and I believe that Nigeria has a bright future ahead.

I would like to invite @ifecollins and @a-isaac to participate in this contest.