The process by which electorates remove elected official is called_________

Analyze the question

The question asks for the process by which electorates (the voters, i.e. ordinary citizens) remove an elected official. The key point is who does the removing: the voters themselves.

Explain the concepts

• Impeachment: The legislature (e.g., the National Assembly or a State House of Assembly) removes an executive officer such as the President or a Governor for gross misconduct. The voters are not directly involved.
• Re-call: Voters in a constituency sign a petition and vote to remove an elected representative before the end of the term, usually for poor performance or misconduct. This is the electorate acting directly.
• Vote of no confidence: Members of a legislature vote to show they no longer support the government or Prime Minister, typically in a parliamentary system. Again, it is done by legislators, not the electorate.
• Referendum: A direct vote by the electorate on a specific issue or proposal (e.g., a constitutional amendment), not on removing an individual.

Solution

1. Who removes the official? The electorate (voters).
2. Which options involve the legislature? Impeachment and vote of no confidence, so they are eliminated.
3. Which option is about an issue rather than a person? Referendum, so it is eliminated.
4. What remains? Re-call, where the voters themselves remove their elected representative.

In Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution (Section 69 for Senators, Section 110 for House of Representatives members) provides for recall of legislators by the people of their constituency through a petition signed by more than half of the registered voters, followed by a referendum.

Correct answer: B. re-call

Exam tip

Match the "who" with the term:

• Voters remove a person → Recall
• Voters decide an issue → Referendum
• Legislature removes the executive → Impeachment
• Legislators withdraw support from the government → Vote of no confidence