VOTER EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS IN CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

The critical role of education and participation of electorates in elections is crucial to the survival and sustenance of democracy in the Cross River State. This paper examines the relationship between Voter education and participation in elections in the state. The paper establishes that given the level of education of the electorates, there is compelling need for providing awareness and enlightenment to the citizens on the importance and necessity of exercising their franchise. On this basis, the paper highlights the correlation between education and participation of eligible voters in the electoral processes. The paper adopts the neo-liberalist theory as the framework of analysis and uses qualitative descriptive data collection technique and analysis. The qualitative descriptive method is based on secondary sources. On the basis of findings, the lukewarm attitude towards Voter education accounts for the poor turnout and participation of voters in elections. More so, the win-by-all-cost syndrome has dampened the spirit of the electorates in casting their votes among other reasons. The paper therefore recommends effective education of voters to enhance their participation in elections. Thus, unless and until the education of voters is given the seriousness of attention it deserves, the enhancement of meaning electioneering activities and the realization of free, fair and credible elections in Cross River State remains a mirage.