Despite the growth of democracy in Africa, the prevalence of poverty on the continent has always influenced voting behaviors in many African countries. Though there might be the competitive multiparty systems but underdevelopment and lack of economic choices have remained integral in determining electoral outcomes. A key influence on voter behavior, votes buying has widespread dominance hence the correlation between poverty prevalence and election challenges that inhibits free, and fair elections.

Poverty makes elections costly for both the government and the electorates, attracts voter bribery, elections violence, costly electoral justice and, voters’ apathy amongst other things that adversely affect the election process and the results thereof.

In most Africa countries, poverty is largely perpetuated for political reasons through deprivation of economic rights such as the hegemonic system created by the British administration and inherited by the post-colonial political elites, corruption which deters economic growth, unequal distribution of public resources, and power abuse by the government.

On the other hand, free and fair election breads good governance and deters the election of bad leaders, holds bad leaders accountable through de-election, and enables citizens’ participation in decision making vital for economic development.

As an organization, we conclude that there is a strong link between poverty challenges and free, and fair elections; in that it limits the citizen’s participation in an election either as electorates or aspirants. The free will of the voters and fairness of the process get negated by poverty and existing legal framework is not a panacea for the same.

PUSH AFRICA is therefore committed to dialoguing and conversing with both the electorates and the candidates on the best frameworks to be put in place to ensure the best interest for all partners. We are committed to making recommendations and implementing campaigns aimed at educating both parties on best practices and the implementation of economic and legal reforms for the realization of free, and fair elections that consequently benefits the poor.