CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

There are many dimensions that can be used to measure the quality of democracy in different countries. According to Diamond and Morlino (2005), the quality of democracy can be assessed through a series of the following procedures: rule of law, participation, and competition, vertical and horizontal accountability.

The emerging literature conceptualizing and attempting to measure the “quality of democracy” represents the “the third generation” of democratization literature since the advent of the third wave of democracy (Logan and Mattes, 2009).

While the first generation of third wave research examined the conditions that led to, and affected, the prospects for successful transitions away from authoritarian rule, the second generation focused on those countries that had reached a (relatively) free and fair founding election and attempted to assess the prospects for its endurance or consolidation.

The quality of democracy differs from the first two generations, and thus promises to advance our knowledge of democratization. In their original discussion of the quality of democracy model, Diamond and Morlino acknowledge the value of public opinion data in assessing democratic quality. But to some extent, they relegate such data to a corner of their framework, suggesting that its main contribution is to provide an indicator of responsiveness.

There is increasing recognition, however, that public attitude data can be used far more extensively in measuring democratic quality (Logan and Mattes, 2009).

Political participation can be seen as ‘activities of citizens that attempt to influence the structure of government, the selection of government authorities or the politics of government (Gregson, 1979). This can be done either actively (i.e. active participation) or passively (i.e. passive participation).

‘Active participation can include voting, writing letters to government officials, working on a campaign by donating time and/or money to a candidate. Passive participation can include being aware of political issues, attending ceremonies or other meetings supportive of the government, following political campaigns, and being aware of government actions and decisions’ (Gregson, 1979).

Participation is intended to measure the public’s formal and effective ability to engage in politics in a host of ways, including voting, joining organizations and associations, including parties, communicating with others and contacting officials so as to influence the policy-making process.

However, since voting behavior seems to be over-reported by respondents relative to national election statistics in most countries, and is one of the easiest and least distinguishing forms of participation, it can be eliminated.

The other six factors, based on contacting leaders and various forms of communal engagement, scale together and can be combined to create a single indicator of participation (Logan and Mattes, 2009). Without citizen participation, and the rights, the freedoms and the means to participate, the principle of popular control over government cannot begin to be realized (Landman, 2008).

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Political participation involves the ability of individuals to take part in public affairs, to assemble and form associations, to register during elections, and to declare candidacy during national and local elections

Negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities; low literacy; poverty; cumbersome electoral procedures; lack of customized electoral materials; and an inaccessible physical environment.

Beside these factors, disability makes it difficult for some persons with disabilities to interact with other members of society, thus limiting interaction with their peers and the opportunities to understand the political process.

Electoral laws have also disenfranchised some persons with disabilities such as persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities from participating in politics because they are deemed incapable of making sound political decisions.

Finally, several researches has been carried out on the participation of persons with disabilities in political activities in Cameroon but not even a single research has been carried out on political participation among persons with disabilities “pwd” case study for Abuja 2015-2020.

1. AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim and objectives of the study is to examine political participation among persons with disabilities. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the factors affecting political participation among persons with disabilities.
2. to determine the effect of political participation on persons with disabilities.
3. to determine the extent to which political participation influences persons with disabilities.
4. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.
   1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the factors affecting political participation among persons with disabilities?
2. What is the effect of political participation on persons with disabilities?
3. What is the extent to which political participation influences persons with disabilities?
4. What are the possible solutions to the problems?
   1. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Ho:  Political participation has no significant effect on persons with disabilities.

Hi:   Political participation has a significant effect on persons with disabilities.

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on political participation among persons with disabilities will be of immense benefit to the entire Abuja in the sense that it will encourage political parties to promote participation of PWDs in elections and in their leadership positions. It will also enable the government to provide funding to political parties and emphasize the inclusion of PWDs in political parties and in key strategic decision making roles and positions.

The study will encourage Independent Electoral Commission to amend the Electoral Act to make it possible for them to introduce measures that will ensure the inclusion and effective participation of PWDs in the electoral process.

Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study on political participation among persons with disabilities is limited to Abuja, 2015-2020.

1. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Time Constraints: One of the challenges experienced by the researcher is the issue of time; the research will simultaneously engage in departmental activities like seminars and attendance to lectures. But the researcher was able to meet up with the deadline for the submission of the project.

Financial Constraints: Every research work needs funding; however lack of adequate funds might affect the speed of the researcher in getting materials for completion of the project.

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Political Participation:   Political participation includes a broad range of activities through which people develop and express their opinions on the world and how it is governed, and try to take part in and shape the decisions that affect their lives.

PWD:       Person with a Disability

Persons with Disabilities: A person with disability is someone who has a physical, mental or emotional condition that keeps her from living a social/functional life