(Last Updated On: 9th September 2023)
Functions of Election
Elections play a crucial role in democratic societies by allowing citizens to choose their representatives and leaders. They serve various functions that contribute to the functioning of a democratic system. Some key functions of elections are heighted below as pointed out by Princewill (2018::
- Candidate Selection: Elections offer a method for political parties and citizens to select candidates for public office. Parties conduct primaries or conventions to choose their representatives, while citizens vote for their preferred candidates.
- Public Opinion Expression: Elections allow citizens to express their opinions on various political, social, and economic issues. Voting patterns provide insights into public sentiment and preferences.
- Representation of Diversity: Elections ensure diverse representation, reflecting various demographic, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic groups within a society. This diversity contributes to balanced and inclusive decision-making.
- Stability and Continuity: Regular elections provide stability and continuity to the political system. The anticipation of future elections helps maintain order and predictability in governance.
- Representation and Legitimacy: Elections provide a mechanism for citizens to select their representatives, who then make decisions on their behalf. This representation legitimizes government actions and policies.
- Regular elections create a system of checks and balances, holding elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions.
- Participation and Civic Engagement: Elections encourage citizen involvement and participation in the political process, fostering a sense of civic duty and engagement.
- Public Opinion Expression: Elections provide a platform for citizens to express their preferences and opinions on various policy issues and government performance.
- Peaceful transfer of power: Elections facilitate the peaceful transfer of power from one government to another, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and violence.
- Political Stability: Regular elections contribute to political stability by providing a structured process for resolving political disputes and power struggles.
- Policy Mandates: Election outcomes can indicate the public’s preferences for specific policies, providing elected officials with a mandate to implement those policies.
- Political Education: Elections serve as a means to educate citizens about the political process, candidates, and issues, encouraging informed decision-making.
- Norms of Democracy: Elections reinforce the norms and principles of democracy, such as equality, freedom, and participation, within a society. The functions of election cannot be exhausted.
