Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

Term: 3^rd Term

Week: 9

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 2 periods each

Date:       

Subject:      Government

Topic:-       Electoral process(election)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

1. Define election
2. State the purpose of election
3. Highlight the stages and features of election

 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

ELECTORAL PROCESS(ELECTION)

Election is defined as the act of choosing candidates to represent the people of a given country in the parliament, the executive and possibly into other areas of government as stipulated in the constitution of that country. For example in U.S.A, judges of the lower courts are elected

Purpose of Election

1. There is change in government which makes it easier for the people to remove a bad government.
2. It gives elected representatives the legitimate right to rule.
3. The people have the free choice of choosing leaders.
4. It ensures control and accountability.
5. It fosters democracy.
6. Electorates are educated about their rights.
7. Election enhances equality of citizens’ votes.

Organization of Election(stages and features)

The parties involved must be well organized and have members throughout the federation. Like one national chairman throughout the federation and they must speak with one voice before the public.

Conditions Necessary for the Conduct of a Free and Fair Election

A ‘free’ electoral process is one where fundamental human rights and freedoms are respected. These include:

1. Freedom of speech and expression by electors, parties, candidates and the media
2. Freedom of association; that is, freedom to form organizations such as political parties and NGOs
3. Freedom of assembly, to hold political rallies and to campaign
4. Freedom of access to and by electors to transmit and receive political and electoral messages
5. Freedom to register as an elector, a party or a candidate
6. Freedom from violence, intimidation or coercion
7. Freedom of access to the polls by electors, party agents and accredited observers
8. Freedom to exercise the franchise in secret and
9. Freedom to question, challenge and register complains or objections without negative repercussions.

A ‘fair’ electoral process is one where the ‘playing field’ is reasonably level and accessible to all electors, parties and candidates, and includes:

1. An independent, non partisan electoral organization to administer the process
2. Guaranteed rights and protection through the constitution and electoral legislation and regulations
3. Equitable representation of electors provided through the legislation
4. Clearly defined universal suffrage and secrecy of the vote
5. Equitable and balanced reporting in the media, and equal access to public media
6. Equitable opportunity for the electorate to receive political and voter information
7. Equitable treatment of electors, candidates and parties by election officials, the government, police, military and the judiciary
8. Open and transparent ballot counting process, and
9. Election process not disrupted by violence, intimidation or coercion

EVALUATION:    1. Define election

2. State three purpose of election
3. Outline the features of a free and fair election
4. What are four conditions necessary for conducting a free and fair election?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively