Highlight the conditions necessary for a free and fair election.

Answer Details

A free and fair election is one conducted openly, honestly and impartially, in which every qualified citizen can vote freely and the result truly reflects the wishes of the electorate. The following conditions are necessary for it:

1. An independent and impartial electoral body: There must be a neutral, well-funded and adequately staffed electoral commission that organises and conducts the election without bias towards any party or candidate.
2. Universal adult suffrage and an accurate voters' register: All qualified adults must be free to register and vote, and there must be a credible, up to date voters' register free of padding and multiple registration.
3. Existence of more than one political party: There should be genuine opposition and a range of candidates so that the electorate has a real choice.
4. Freedom of speech, the press and association: Candidates and parties must be free to campaign, hold rallies and canvass for votes, and the electorate must be free to receive information and express their views.
5. Secret ballot: Voting must be by secret ballot so that voters can express their true choice without fear of intimidation or victimisation.
6. Adequate security and a peaceful atmosphere: There must be enough impartial security personnel to maintain order and protect voters, materials and officials, free of thuggery and violence.
7. An enlightened electorate: Voters should be educated enough to understand the issues and the voting procedure and to resist bribery and manipulation.
8. Impartial security agencies and rule of law: The police and other agencies must be neutral, and electoral laws must be firmly and fairly enforced.
9. An independent judiciary and provision for electoral petitions: There must be impartial courts or tribunals to settle election disputes fairly and promptly.
10. Sufficient and well distributed electoral materials: Ballot papers, boxes and other materials must be adequate, secure and delivered to all polling units on time.