PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF POST ELECTORAL VIOLENCE

PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF POST ELECTORAL VIOLENCE
A STUDY OF CALABAR SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE
ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to assess the public perception of the causes and, consequences of post-election violence in Calabar south local government area. The research instrument that was used in data collection was questionnaire which was complemented by in-depth interview. One hundred (100) questionnaires were administered, but only ninety four (94) were returned. The data was analyzed using percentages and frequencies, with the aid of Statistical Package for the social sciences (SPSS).The outcome clearly shows that, rigging of election results was a major cause of post-election violence. Furthermore, the finding exhibits dissatisfaction with results, religious sentiments, corruption, poverty and absence of laws on post-election violence were also the causes of post-election violence. The study also reveals some consequences of post-election violence. These include destruction of lives, destruction of properties, displacement, distortion of peace and enmity.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1          BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

An electoral process is an alternative to violence as a means of achieving good governance. When an electoral process is perceived as unfair, unresponsive, or corrupt, its political legitimacy is compromised and stakeholders are motivated to go outside of the established norms to achieve their objectives (Jeff, 2006).  Most often, violence becomes the only way. Electoral violence is the act of or threats of coercion, intimidation, or physical harm perpetrated to affect an electoral process or that arise as in the context of electoral completion. When perpetrated to affect an electoral process, violence may be employed to influence the process of election; Such as effort to delay, disrupt or derail a poll and to influence the outcome; the determining of winners in competitive races for political office or to secure approval of referendum questions.

Electoral violence is a sub-type of political violence in which actors employ coercion in an instrumental way to advance their interests or achieve specific political ends. Electoral violence includes acts, such as assassination of opponents or spontaneous fist cuffs between rival groups of supporters and threats, coercion and intimidation of opponents, voters, or election officials. Election violence has become a global phenomenon associated mostly with developing and under developed countries like Nigeria (Magdaleno 2012).

The Nigerian state is not alien to electoral violence which can be traced as far back as the pre independence elections. Contestants in Nigeria can go to any length to rig and win elections even if it means to break the states monopoly of violence to deploy terror to win elections. At the concluded 2015 general elections in Nigeria, the South South part of Nigeria witnessed different levels of mayhem and the destruction of lives and property. On the other hand the Northern and South Western states witnessed minimal electoral violence unlike previous years where violence was more in the North.  (LadanBaki I.S.2016).

All elections in Nigeria are marred with one form of violence or the other at various stages. Ladan (2006) opined that, violence has become part of the political culture in Nigeria such that all elections are virtually violence-ridden, that violence is manifest in all the three states of the election process: pre-election, during elections, and post-election period. According to Iraboh (2011). Electoral reform act 2006 was one of the policies promulgated to check the phenomenon of election violence in Nigeria and its implementation committee was headed by Justice Uwais which was saddled with the responsibility to make recommendations on how to restore sanity to the Nigeria’s electoral process. Still some crisis where noticeable and manifested by bloody violence which almost tore Nigeria apart in general and Calabar south Local Government in particular and led to the death of many innocent Nigerians. And cause un-ended ethno religion conflicts’ in Cross River State State.

1.2       STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Election violence has eaten deep into the Nigerian societies. In such social coexistence, peoples’ perception is a very important factor in addressing the issue of election violence and its effects. Since the goal of every election is to be free and fair and once that characteristic is not respected there is high possibility for the emergence of state of nature (Maba 2011). This is not unconnected to a country like Nigeria which since its inception in 1959, general election has never enjoyed free and fair election. There is a strong believe that election sustains democracy and organization of election is seen as part of a democratic process and absence of this is an inevitable chaos.

Since Nigeria’s election have been marred by crude violence with devastating effects, it is evident that previous conduct of elections in Nigeria lead one to interrogate it validity from the point of view of violent effects it usually come with. It seems that there is a kind of contagion of inadequacies and improper conduct of election in Nigeria since 1959 till date. The previous election period in Calabar south Local Government was animated by crude violence which causes effects in Calabar south. Therefore, there is need to ask the public perception on this violence and its effects. This research is conducted to examine the perception of public perception in Calabar south Local Government about the effects of post-election violence.

1.3       AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general aim of the study is to investigate the public perception of Calabar south residents on the effect of post elections violence. However, the specific objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the public perception of the nature of post elections violence in Calabar south Local Government area.
2. To find out the public perception on the causes of post elections violence in this area;
3. To determine the public perception on the effects of post elections violence;
4. To find out the opinions of Calabar south residents on how to prevent the reoccurrence of this violence.

1.4       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.                  What is the public perception on the nature of post elections violence in Calabar south Local Government Area?

2.                  What is the perception of the public on the causes of post elections violence in Calabar south local Government?

3.                  What is the public perception of the effects of post elections violence in the study area?

4.                  What are the opinions of Calabar south residents on how to ameliorate the reoccurrence of post elections violence?

TOPIC: PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF POST ELECTORAL VIOLENCE

A STUDY OF CALABAR SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE

Chapters: 1 - 5
Delivery: Email

Number of Pages: 85

Price: 3000 NGN

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