Sociological Effect Of Vote Buying -By Muhammad Yasin Yahaya

Vote buying is not just a fraudulent act but sociologically, an impediment to democratic advancement.

Different scholars have tried to define “vote-buying” from various points of view. Some view it from an economic angle, others evaluate it from the consequential damages arising from the act. All views are critical in accessing the effects of this jeopardizing activity.

”Vote-Buying” can be otherwise seen as “voters-inducement”, “electoral treating”, “vote-trading”, “vote-selling” or “money exchanged and politics” and has become a recurring feature in most countries’ electoral process. The concept of “vote-buying” connotes different meanings in different historical and cultural contexts (Schaffer, 2002).

”Vote-Buying” occurs when a political party or candidate seeks to buy the vote of a voter in an upcoming election. Vote buying can take various forms; such as a monetary exchange, as well as an exchange for necessary goods or services; looking at a more sociological aspect, Vote-buying is way more complex.

    Sociologically, Vote-buying involves the act of voting for a particular candidate for the wrong reasons. Democracy is a system of government that allows for collective participation in every sphere, which means every good should be for the good of all, therefore, the most authentic reasons we should vote for any candidate should be in his capacity to deliver or his or her ability to work for the interest of the whole society. It is on this note, I view to acknowledge that if one votes for anything in return other than good governance, that individual has not only sold his or her vote but has contributed in jeopardizing our democratic processes and a quest for development.

‘Vote-Buying’ is now a global phenomenon especially in countries such as USA, Nigeria, Mexico, Kenya, Latin America and Argentina, amongst others.

According to a self-reported survey that was conducted, 1 in 5 Nigerians have experienced an offer, for their vote. The rewards offered by Nigerian politicians include money or commodities such as food and clothing, or, in most cases, job opportunities.

Although the practice of vote buying is widespread, 58% of Nigerians surveyed at the time of the 2007 election viewed vote buying as immoral. Despite this, when asked if they thought it was wrong to accept rewards or monetary compensation for your vote, 78% said no. One factor that needs to be iterated when it comes to studies that are based on surveys is that since vote buying is illegal in most countries, a researcher’s ability to collect accurate data is hindered. This is because many citizens may not feel comfortable revealing their experience or involvement with corrupt activities, for fear that they will suffer repercussions from their governments for coming forward with such information. (Bratton, Michael, 2008).

I am of the belief that in some circumstances the government, its officials and other related agencies are contributing to this menace in order to serve their interest when an Election draws closer. I have constantly observed that Vote-buying in an election process would be possible if the economy has failed the people; the polity would be harden, inflation rate would rise, scarcity of most essential commodities, starvation, insecurity and in the end, hunger and suffering would delude the masses to make choices they’ll never have made under a working and efficient governmental system. I viewed this as a deliberate attempt in order for them to get re-elected back into office or for their successors, through Vote-buying.

I’ll adopt a functionalist perspective in my analysis of Vote-buying and how it has created a corrupt system with incompetent leaders.

Functionalism is a perspective in sociology that tends to see the society as an organism which all parts contribute in, to give the whole system balance and equilibrium.

Therefore, it subscribed to the belief that the society is made up of structures or parts in which all structures must work together to bring about progress and harmony; and if eventually one of the structures is not performing its functions efficiently, it would have a negative impact on the whole system. Examples of such social structures are; Politics, Education, Family and Religion. They are of the idea that these structures holds the society together and they must play their various roles effectively for harmony and balance.

From the above assertion; if the political system fails to make sure credible leaders that are competent emerges, it would definitely have so many negative effects on other structures; decision making, annual budgetary, implementations of policies and programs would also be affected and all these, in turn, will affect educational system, health and even the Family, to say the least.

In addition, other consequences that arise as a result of Vote-buying include; presence of vote buying in democratic states poses a threat to democracy itself, as it interferes with the ability to rely on a popular vote as a measure of people’s support for potential governments’ policies.

Secondly, a voter’s autonomy is undermined, which makes them not to have the opportunity to vote the candidate with the capabilities to deliver. This is quite problematic, because if it is the most corrupt politicians who are engaging in the horrendous act of vote buying, then it is their interests that remain the ones that dictate how the country is going to be run. This, in turn, perpetuates corruption in the system even further creating a cycle.

Additionally, this can make the targeted voters dependent on the money or the service they are receiving from the corrupt candidate(s), this, in a long term would allow unfit and incompetent leaders to emerge.

Furthermore, we need to adopt a few sociological strategies in curbing the menace and these are my recommendations or solutions to these Electoral conundrums.

Firstly, the family has got an important role to play in the area proper guidance and support to its members. This would enable them build the courage to over come the temptation to sell their votes which, in a long run, may affect their future.

Cultivation of morals and values that discourage Corruption in our society should be buttressed and taught as this is the responsibility of everyone.

Also, the advantage of cultivating positive principles as a prevention strategy, is that, it is effective across all electoral systems and devices, and that makes other prevention and detection efforts more difficult to implement because members of society, generally, have more trust than less of a sense for fraudulent methods.

Thirdly, Persecution. We’ve got to have a working judicial system that carves out the due punishment for offences. They must be strict and capable of dispensing justice as required. These would deter potential offenders from practicing this hazardous jeopardy.

Lastly, we must learn to do the right thing, if we want to build a better nation for ourselves. It all depends on what we do as a people. If we must end Corruption, then we must start by putting an end to Electoral frauds, such as Vote-buying, so we can give room for competent and credible leaders to emerge and change the course of our dear Nation for the better.

Muhammad Yasin Yahaya is a writer, essayist and poet, completed his primary and secondary education in  F.C.T, Abuja. He has participated in several debate competitions, he was among the participants that won the 2017 edition of debate competition organised by ‘Code of conduct  Bureau’ for his school, Government secondary school, Area 10 Garki Abuja, his  presently a 200level student of sociology and Anthropology department of Ahmadu Bello university Zaria, Kaduna state Nigeria. 

E-mail: muhammadyasin3890@gmail.com