2023 elections: INEC decries marginalisation of women, PLWD

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concerns over the absence of internal democracy, lack of inclusivity and marginalisation of women, Persons Living with Disabilities and youths ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Commission demanded improvements in these areas and expressed a willingness to register more political parties ahead of the 2023 elections.

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was represented by the National Commissioner and Chairman (Outreach and Partnership Committee), Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, said this during the annual summit of political parties and stakeholders with the theme: “Political parties and democratic stability in Nigeria: Setting agenda for 2023 general elections,” in Abuja.

The aim of the summit was to set the agenda for the 2023 election and to educate political parties about 2023.
The programme was organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos in partnership with the European Union; Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre; EU Funded Programme, Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria and other partners.

Also Read: INEC worries over the conduct of 2023 elections in Imo
During the event, the Ag. Director-General of NIPSS, Brig. General Chukwuemeka Udaya (retd.), reminded politicians that “election is not a do or die affair.”

He said, “Annually, European Centre for Electoral Support trains political parties and the whole essence of this particular summit is to set the agenda for the 2023 election and to educate political parties that come 2023, it is not a do or die affair. It is all about political inclusion, democracy and governance for Nigeria.

“What we want political parties to take home from this training and summit is for all Nigerians to reduce the divisions; there are deep divisions and it is the responsibility of the political parties to bring the country together, forge the country on and set agenda for elections to come 2023.