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.
