Political Parties and Elections

Elections are the main way citizens choose their leaders in a democracy.

Political Parties

A political party is an organised group that seeks to win power and form government by contesting elections. It presents a manifesto, recruits members and nominates candidates.

The Electoral Process

• Registration of voters.
• Nomination of candidates.
• Campaigning.
• Voting on election day.
• Counting and collation of results.
• Declaration of results and resolution of disputes.

Free and Fair Elections

Credible elections need an independent electoral commission, a clean voter register, a secret ballot, transparent counting, an impartial police and accessible courts for petitions.

Practice

1. Define a political party and name one function.
2. List four stages of an election.
3. State three conditions for a free and fair election.

Recap

Parties organise competition for power; credible elections require independence, transparency and peaceful participation.