A Non-Governmental organization Conscience for Human Right and Conflict Resolutions, CHRCR, has lamented over the poor participation of Women ahead of the November 11th Kogi State Governorship election.
This forms part of the communique issued by the Executive Director of CHRCR on Thursday at the end of a one day post 2023 election review meeting with political parties on anti-corruption and accountability in election at State level in Kogi State.
Miliki further observed that, there was poor inclusivity of women in the last 2023 general election as candidates were spotted marginalizing women in leadership positions at both party and elective position levels.
He, however, suggested the need to encourage more women to participate in political party activities making them emerge as Candidates at all levels.
Our Kogi State Correspondent reports that Miliki averred that, Some of the contending issues of the 2023 election range from the perceived non adherence to Guidelines by the Electoral Umpire, to technological issues around the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS), and these issues are currently been challenged in the Election tribunals.
He further observed that despite the numerous engagements by Civil Society Organizations with political parties towards the 2023 general election, there was no enough documentary evidence from political parties and their candidates to show commitment to the Anti-Corruption and Accountability fight
According to him, political parties in opposition are not doing enough to hold the ruling Party accountable adding that, the State Legislature plays a critical role in Anti-Corruption and Accountability and the Kogi State House of Assembly has not been effective in its constitutional role of oversight
" Little or no participation of Civil Society in the Political parties November 2023 primaries, despite the existing collaborations. The internal party democracy is still a challenge as the process often ends in judicial dispute that affects the outcome of elections and could promote violence.
"There has not been visible anti-corruption campaign issues in the campaign activities of the political parties and their candidates. There is still limited visible activities by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) towards the November 11th 2023 Governorship Elections in Kogi State
He opined that the increasing attacks, destruction and damage to lives and properties is raising tension and concern making citizens apprehensive about the elections, stressing that, this will not augur well for the State for citizen’s participation
"The general insecurity environment proceeding the elections has become a cause of worry that could lead to voter apathy on election day.
Mandates of Political parties to their Candidates are not written and this makes it difficult to hold Political parties Accountable as they are not specific as to what they intend to do"
While giving some recommendations to this problem, Miliki said Opposition political parties must perform their functions of holding the ruling party accountable adding that, IPAC must reorganize and re-energize their activities towards performing its roles of holding its members accountable
" Internal party democracies should be strengthened by collaboration with Civil Society Organizations and other relevant stakeholders during primaries and other party activities.
"Political parties and their Candidates need to include anti-corruption transparency and accountability in their campaign activities and manifestos.
" Hate speech, inflammatory utterances and unguided statements by political party members, candidates and their supporters should be checked by Security Agencies and INEC and those found wanting should be prosecuted. Security Agencies must be proactive in addressing perceived and real insecurity issues in Kogi State to ensure a free, fair and credible elections and encourage citizens participation and confidence" he added.
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
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