Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
Previous Lesson: Election Qualification and Voters’.
Topic: ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES
Subject Matter: Meaning and forms of electoral malpractices, Forms of electoral malpractices: fake ballot papers, manipulation of votes and multiple voting

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define electoral malpractices.
Identify various forms of electoral malpractices.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of free and fair elections.
Reject any involvement in electoral malpractices.

Psychomotor Domain:

Describe how fake ballot papers are used in malpractices.
Explain the process of vote manipulation and multiple voting.

Promote the values of honesty and transparency in electoral processes.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Civic Education JSS 2.
State Unified Scheme of Work for National Values Education JSS 2.
National Values Education for Junior Secondary Schools 2.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A chart showing pictures of different forms of electoral malpractices.
Sample ballot papers (real and fake, if available).
A chalkboard and chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand what electoral malpractices are and how they undermine the democratic process. It enables them to recognize and reject these illegal acts, promoting their role as responsible citizens in ensuring fair elections.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of elections, voting, and the importance of choosing leaders in a democratic society.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES

Meaning of Electoral Malpractices

Electoral malpractices refer to illegal and unethical acts committed before, during, or after an election to influence the outcome unfairly. These acts undermine the integrity of the election process and the will of the people.

Forms of Electoral Malpractices

The following are common forms of electoral malpractices:

Fake Ballot Papers: These are counterfeit voting papers that are illegally printed and used to inflate votes for a particular candidate or party. They are not officially issued by the electoral body.
Manipulation of Votes: This involves altering the actual votes cast by voters. It can include falsifying results sheets, altering figures, or destroying valid ballot papers to favour or disadvantage a candidate.
Multiple Voting: This occurs when a person votes more than once in the same election. This can be done by using different names, registering in multiple locations, or physically casting multiple ballots.
Ballot Box Snatching: This is the illegal seizure of ballot boxes from polling units, often by political thugs, to prevent the counting of legitimate votes or to substitute them with fake ones.
Vote Buying and Selling: This involves offering or receiving money, gifts, or other inducements in exchange for a vote. It corrupts the voter’s free choice.
Under-aged Voting: This is when individuals who are legally too young to vote are allowed or encouraged to cast ballots.
Intimidation and Violence: This includes using threats, harassment, or physical force against voters, electoral officials, or opponents to influence the election outcome or suppress voter turnout.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson. The teacher then asks pupils what they understand by ‘elections’ and why they are important.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their understanding of elections.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are prepared for the new topic.

Step 2: Presentation of Topic and Objectives

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic “Electoral Malpractices” and states the lesson objectives clearly to the pupils.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and copy the topic into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils know what they are expected to learn during the lesson.

Step 3: Meaning of Electoral Malpractices

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of electoral malpractices, providing simple examples of illegal acts that can occur during elections.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and copy the definition into their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what electoral malpractices mean.

Step 4: Forms of Electoral Malpractices (Fake Ballot Papers)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses fake ballot papers as a form of malpractice. The teacher may show a sample of a real ballot paper and explain how fake ones differ and are used.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, listen, and ask questions. They take notes on this form of malpractice.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and explain the use of fake ballot papers.

Step 5: Forms of Electoral Malpractices (Manipulation of Votes and Multiple Voting)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further explains manipulation of votes and multiple voting as forms of electoral malpractices, giving practical scenarios for each. The teacher encourages pupils to discuss the implications of these acts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, participate in discussions, and take notes on these forms of malpractices.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how votes can be manipulated and what multiple voting entails.

Step 6: Further Forms of Electoral Malpractices

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly mentions other forms of electoral malpractices such as ballot box snatching, vote buying, under-aged voting, and intimidation to broaden pupils’ understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and make mental notes of the additional forms.
Learning Point: Pupils are aware of a wider range of electoral malpractices.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What are electoral malpractices?
Mention three forms of electoral malpractices.
Explain how fake ballot papers can be used in an election.
Describe what is meant by multiple voting.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of fair elections. The teacher then gives pupils homework: “List two ways electoral malpractices can be prevented in Nigeria.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Lesson Keywords

Electoral – relating to elections or voters.
Malpractices – illegal, dishonest, or careless professional behaviour.
Ballot – a system of voting secretly, or the paper used for voting.
Voting – the act of formally expressing a choice or opinion.
Manipulation – the act of controlling or influencing someone or something unfairly or dishonestly.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simpler explanations and focus on the core definitions and three main forms of malpractices. For advanced learners, the teacher will encourage them to research and discuss the consequences of electoral malpractices on national development.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should use local examples of electoral malpractices where appropriate to make the lesson more relatable. Encourage pupils to think critically about how these practices affect their community and the nation. Emphasize the importance of youth participation in promoting free and fair elections.