(a) Explain the term representative government. (b) What conditions are essential for the existence of...

Explanation

(a)Representative government is one based on popular representation. The people are involved, through periodic elections in deciding those that will govern them.

(b) Conditions necessary for a Representative Government include:

(i) The electoral Commission , the body responsible for election, should be independent.

(ii) Elections are conducted periodically e.g. every four years.

(iii) The elections are free and fair.

(iv) Press freedom should be a must so that the people could be enlightened on choice of candidates for elections.

(v) The rule of law/constitutionalism must be in place and everybody must be ready to abide by the provisions of the constitution, including the rulers.

(vi) The people should have the right to choose and to decide a particular party and candidates of their choice.

(vii) The Judiciary musty be independent of the executive and the legislature

(viii) The election should be based on universal adult suffrage. No individual should be denied the right to vote and be voted for.

(ix)The electoral register should be up-to-date A constant revision exercise is important.

(x) Delimitation of electoral constituencies should be well defined.

(xi)The people should have undisturbed access to law courts in order to seek redress when their rights are violated..