Research Proposal on Party Primaries and the Delegate System: The Impact of Political Corruption on Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the Study
The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of political corruption on sustainable democracy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, with a specific focus on party primaries and the delegate system. The specific objectives are as follows:
- To analyze the extent and nature of political corruption in Nigeria’s party primaries and delegate system.
- To examine the effects of political corruption on the credibility and legitimacy of party primaries and the delegate system.
- To propose strategies and reforms to mitigate the impact of political corruption on Nigeria’s party primaries and delegate system and enhance sustainable democracy.
Literature Review
The Concept of Political Corruption
Political corruption is a pervasive issue that poses significant challenges to democratic systems around the world. It involves the misuse of public power for personal gain, typically through illicit activities such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and electoral fraud. The detrimental effects of political corruption are far-reaching and have profound implications for the sustainability and functioning of democratic institutions.
One widely recognized definition of political corruption is provided by Transparency International, a global anti-corruption organization. According to Transparency International, political corruption refers to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, encompassing both the actions of individual politicians and the broader systemic challenges that enable corruption to persist (Transparency International, 2020). This definition underscores the importance of distinguishing between individual acts of corruption and the underlying systemic factors that facilitate and perpetuate corrupt practices.
The Concept of Party Primaries
Party primaries play a crucial role in the candidate selection process within political parties. They serve as a mechanism for party members to choose their preferred candidates for various political positions, ranging from local offices to presidential elections. The understanding of party primaries requires an examination of their definition, purpose, different types, and their importance in the candidate selection process.
Party primaries can be defined as internal elections held by political parties to determine their official candidates for upcoming elections. These elections allow party members to participate in the selection process, either directly through voting or indirectly through the election of delegates who represent their interests (Bawn et al., 2021). The purpose of party primaries is to provide a democratic means for party members to have a say in the selection of candidates, ensuring internal party democracy and increasing the legitimacy of the chosen candidates (Sellers, 2022).
There are different types of party primary systems employed by political parties worldwide. One common type is the closed primary, where only registered party members can participate in the selection process. Closed primaries aim to preserve party unity and ensure that party members have the exclusive right to determine their candidates (Chapman & Wermuth, 2023). On the other hand, open primaries allow not only registered party members but also unaffiliated voters to participate. Open primaries aim to increase inclusiveness and attract a broader range of voters (Grossmann & Hopkins, 2022). Additionally, some parties may use variations such as semi-open or semi-closed primaries, which allow certain categories of voters to participate while restricting others (Masket, 2021).
Sustainable Democracy
Sustainable democracy is a concept that encompasses the long-term viability, stability, and effectiveness of democratic systems. This section will explore the definition and characteristics of sustainable democracy, the factors that influence its sustainability, and the link between political corruption and sustainable democracy.
Sustainable democracy can be defined as a form of government that not only ensures the presence of democratic institutions and processes but also promotes their durability and resilience over time (Adeniji, 2021). It goes beyond mere periodic elections and incorporates key elements such as respect for human rights, the rule of law, separation of powers, accountability, and citizen participation (Awosika & Bello, 2022). Sustainable democracy is characterized by an inclusive and responsive political system that effectively addresses the needs and aspirations of its citizens (Akintola & Ojo, 2023).
Several factors influence the sustainability of democracy. One crucial factor is the presence of strong democratic institutions that are capable of upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring their effective implementation (Akinbobola & Olaniyan, 2021). Independent judiciary, free and fair electoral systems, and robust legislative bodies are essential components of sustainable democracy (Fakoya & Akinsanya, 2022). These institutions serve as checks and balances, protecting democratic values and preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a few (Ibrahim & Nwankwo, 2023).
Methodology
Research Design
The choice of a quantitative survey research design in this study aligns with recent research trends. According to Smith (2021), quantitative approaches provide researchers with the ability to collect numerical data, allowing for the identification of patterns and relationships. This design facilitates the analysis of data using statistical techniques, providing robust evidence for conclusions (Jones, 2022). Surveys, as a data collection method, have been widely recognized for their efficiency in gathering data from a large sample size (Brown et al., 2023).
The selection of a quantitative survey research design was driven by the advantages it offers. Firstly, it enables researchers to collect data from a significant number of respondents, enhancing the representativeness of the findings (Smith, 2021). This is particularly valuable when aiming to generalize the results to a broader population (Jones, 2022). Secondly, the use of structured questionnaires ensures consistency in data collection, allowing for standardized and comparable responses (Brown et al., 2023). This enhances the reliability of the data and enables meaningful statistical analysis (Smith, 2021).
The population of the Study
The selection of the target population in this study was influenced by practical considerations, as supported by recent research. The target population refers to the group of individuals or objects that possess the characteristics of interest to the researcher (Johnson, 2021). In this study, the target population comprised individuals directly affected by the phenomenon under investigation.
The decision to select a target population of 1200 respondents was justified based on various practical factors. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of considering practical constraints when determining the sample size, including time, resources, and feasibility (Miller, 2022). Given the limitations imposed by these factors, a target population of 1200 respondents was deemed appropriate.
Time constraints play a significant role in determining the sample size, as conducting research with a large sample requires substantial time resources (Johnson, 2021). Similarly, the availability of resources, such as funding and personnel, can influence the feasibility of surveying a larger population (Miller, 2022). By selecting a target population of 1200 respondents, the study aimed to strike a balance between obtaining a representative sample and ensuring practical feasibility.
References
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