Which structural reform serves as the most fundamental long-term preventive measure against institutional electoral malpractices in a democratic state?
- Establishing complete legal autonomy and financial independence for the electoral management bodyAnswer
- BTransferring the adjudication of election dispute petitions to regular magistrate courts
- CStationing armed military detachments inside voting enclosures on election day
- DMandating an open system of voting to replace secret ballot procedures in all constituencies
Answer
Establishing complete legal autonomy and financial independence for the electoral management body
Establishing complete legal autonomy and financial independence ensures that the electoral management body (such as INEC) operates without political bias or executive dominance. Securing funding directly from the consolidated revenue fund prevents incumbent governments from using budget allocations as leverage to influence election outcomes.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Preventive Measures Against Electoral Malpractices