Politics and Criminalization of Electoral Process in Cross River South Senatorial District, Nigeria

A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study was an assessment of politics and criminalization of electoral process in Cross River South Senatorial District, Nigeria: a cross- sectional study. The study examined the relationship between mass thumb printing and criminalization of politics. Cross-sectional survey study design, which comprised the use of qualitative and quantitative methods, was utilized. The study gathered data through questionnaire and interview instruments. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized for data interpretation and hypothesis testing. This was realized through the utilization of simple percentage and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The study revealed that there is a significant association between the use of mass thumb printing in election and criminalization of politics in the study area. The study concluded that mass thumb printing in elections have led to all forms of criminalities in the study area and this trend has been growing unabated. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers recommended that Government and non-governmental organizations should create enabling environments for businesses to thrive, so as to create more employment opportunities for the youth. This will go a long way in reducing the number of youth that would be lured into electoral misconduct by the politicians.