By Mike Oboh
The National Assembly has been charged to see to the reformation of the electoral act this year to create the enabling environment for the growth of democracy in the country.A collation of civil society group on Monday in Abuja declared that the Assembly will be doing the nation good if they take the reforms as a priority which deserves the needed attention.
Speaking on their behalf during a media parley, Yetunde Bakare said the reform of the electoral act will not only oil the wheels of the progress in our democratic growth but halt most of the threats affecting the process in the country.
According to Bakare, “Elections remain the most fundamental aspect of democracy across the world, its evolution and improvement can only be measured in terms of processes, procedures, technology and outcome. We believe these parameters are critical to improved level of trust and confidence of citizens in the democratic process..”She said it was important to note that while elections continue to experience improvement in several other parts of the world, Nigeria’s elections have witnessed inadequate improvements for a growing democracy in the face of electoral fraud, violence, voter inducement, intimidation, bribery and corruption.
“Nigeria’s electoral process has become a shadow of itself and inspires very little hope and confidence for the future. The challenges have also undermined Nigeria’s democratic credentials among the comity of nations.
“The impact of our flawed elections can only be imagined by its monumental impact particularly because it has impaired our ability to deliver on the promises of democratic dividends and economic prosperity to our greatest population. Electoral manipulation, rigging and violence have become the unique identity of our political culture.
“The atmosphere always surrounding our electoral process has been that of heightened uncertainty, fear and distrust laying a precedence to all the ills affecting the growth and development of Nigeria.,” she added.
The civil groups noted that in the wake of challenging new realities, such as the corona virus pandemic (COVID-19), it has become even more necessary to reflect on the gaps inherent in our current electoral framework, so as to deliberately timely accommodate all required amendments and improved measures in conducting elections, without compromising the general health of citizens.
They also said that as part of the reform, the Electoral Offences Commission should be given a due thought to attend to all offenders during the elections.
“The wave of incessant violence and voter suppression, that has lampooned the conduct of our elections overtime, thereby becoming a standard practice must be reversed. It is therefore noteworthy that electoral reform, amidst these new and disturbing COVID-19 realities, portrays that a new electoral framework is sacrosanct to the health and safety of citizens.
“We therefore implore this 9th National Assembly to rise to the occasion, and it is our hope that history will be kind to them’,” she said.
They said it while it was noteworthy that the National Assembly has already commenced work on the electoral amendment bill, but they have more than enough reason to believe that the process has not been given the urgency, seriousness and attention that it deserves.
“But in light of recent public commitments made by some National Assembly members and principal officers, including the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, towards ensuring that electoral reform tops its priority list as the National Assembly reconvenes, we are therefore optimistic that indeed, a timely and practical constitutional and electoral reform framework will be laid and achieved by December 2020′,” Bakare Said.
She further said that with the commitments displayed by the National Assembly and its leadership resonates with the deep yearnings of the totality of Nigerian citizens whose interest they represent and swore to protect. And if truly, the National Assembly is anchored on the fabrics of citizen’s power, then it is therefore a matter of obligation on the part of the National Assembly, that upon resumption of plenary on September 29, 2020, they concede to the collective demand of citizens by ensuring that electoral reform is achieved, incorporating all aspects relating to an improved election environment and processes that guarantee free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
“We specifically as a coalition demand for established framework to strengthen the election management body, financial independence for INEC, integration of technology in our electoral process, inclusion of all marginalized groups, transparency in campaign financing and provision of a framework to ensure the enforcement of our electoral laws, amongst others.
“Nigerians deserve a better nation with quality leadership, and we believe that a fundamental bedrock for achieving this is having a free and fair electoral process, which can only occur through this amendment efforts of the 9th National Assembly.
In assuring the legislature of our commitment to supporting this crucial process which can serve as a watershed moment in the history of this nation,” she said.
The group also called on citizens and all relevant stakeholders in the forthcoming election in Ondo State to draw inspiration from the conduct of the Edo State election and improve on the wins recorded, saying “we must not drop the ball.”
The Civil society groups include, Yiaga Africa,Centre for Liberty,NESSACTIO!. Raising New Voices Initiative and Millennials Active Citizenship Advocacy Africa.
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