Democratic Transitions: Elections and Accountability in Nigeria and Mexico
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Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria and Mexico
Nigeria: Electoral Challenges and Progress
- In 2007, massive corruption occurred, which European observers deemed one of the worst elections they had ever seen.
- However, the 2015 election was generally free and fair, with Buhari winning 54% of the votes. This marked the first peaceful transition of power between parties.
- The 2015 result could represent a significant shift in Nigerian electoral politics.
Mexico: Institutional Reforms and Democracy
- Elections are currently considered free and fair. The system uses a mixed Proportional Representation (PR) and Single-Member District (SMD) system for the legislature.
- The 1994 and 2000 elections were the first truly free, fair, and competitive elections, thanks to the establishment of the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) in 1990.
- The defeat of the PRI's 71-year rule by the PAN in 2000 ended one-party dominance, moving the country from a state corporatist (authoritarian) system towards democracy.
Competitive Elections and Political Shifts
Nigeria: Ending One-Party Dominance
- One-party dominance characterized the majority of the Fourth Republic and was often shrouded by corruption.
- The 2015 election concluded the PDP’s reign, marking the most competitive election in Nigerian history.
- This competitiveness could represent a lasting shift in Nigerian politics or potentially be an anomaly.
Mexico: Transitional Democracy and Gridlock
- Mexico is trending in the right direction as a transitional democracy, featuring three major parties that tend to split votes.
- The 2000 election, when PAN defeated PRI, resulted in the first instance of gridlock because the legislature was split between the parties, ending the PRI's dominance.
- Candidates only need a plurality to win, which has historically created issues with legitimacy.
- Since the creation of the IFE, elections have been extremely competitive, notably in 2006 when PAN beat the PRD by only 0.5%.
Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms
Nigeria: Media and Civil Society
- Independent Media: Covers a broad range of topics and holds the government accountable through investigative journalism. Residents also have access to international news networks.
- The government has been much more accountable since the establishment of the Fourth Republic, bringing an end to military rule.
- There is a strong presence of labor unions and active public protests.
Mexico: IFE Reforms and Social Movements
- Transparency has rapidly increased since the creation of the IFE, which significantly cut down on government fraud.
- The IFE allowed for opposition parties to monitor elections, facilitated international oversight, and curbs campaign finance with restrictions. It also requires mass media coverage to increase transparency.
- Mexico has an independent media, although it used to be heavily subsidized by the PRI prior to austerity measures.
- Today, Mexico has access to international politics and opinions via networks like BBC and CNN.
- Social Movements: Protests arose, alleging the media covered Nieto unfairly in the 2012 election, leading to his victory (e.g., the Yo Soy 132 movement).
- The Zapatista Rebellion was against the wealthy who profit from maquiladoras near the border. Rebels opposed Mexico signing NAFTA, fearing the exploitation of landowners.