Electoral Legitimacy and Gender Representation Barriers; Theories and Practices in Nigeria

Abstract

The article describes relevant concepts and theories on Gender Representation and Electoral Legitimacy behaviours and barriers that obstruct global policies for gender equity model to a free and fair election. The limiting barriers and theories described, include Class-Conflict versus Representation Theory, Gender vs Culture, Electoral Legitimacy Deficit vs Dominance Theory, Machismo Culture, Institutional concept, Human Capital, Feminist Rights Concepts (FGF) and the UN Think, Assess, Consider, and Take Action (UNTACT) Concept. The article adopts a descriptive secondary qualitative method to gather data on the key theories, barriers and practices affecting gender representation electoral. Data collection include previous studies, articles, reports, publications, and Electoral Commission official documents already generated. These various sources of information gathered, was critically examined, reviewed, analysed, and synthesized to understand the context in which gender representation barriers exist. Research results indicted Nigeria Electoral process as extremely unreliable at the output-delivery process, and thus, criticised for having flaws and failing to completely enforce candidate electoral rules, which impacts female representation. However, the research contributed to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding electoral theories, practices and their impact on electoral system’s legitimacy. Findings suggest, importance of challenging patriarchal electioneering structures, cultural norms, and power imbalances in the political sphere and the need for power dynamics to be examined critically, to deliver effective gender or female representation. Keywords: Electoral Legitimacy, Gender Representation, Theories, Barriers, Nigeria.