By Ahmed Ahmed
An NGO Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has strengthened the capacity of Bauchi State stakeholders on electoral electoral reforms for viable democracy in the country.
Speaking at a day town hall meeting on Thursday in Bauchi,Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director PAACA, said the meeting was organized to interface and deepen the understanding of CSOs and stakeholders on the electoral laws.
Nwagwu said the meeting was organissed with support from the MacArthur Foundation, aimed to familiarize stakeholders with the new electoral laws, legal framework governing elections in the country and acquaint them with the guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“To share ideas and knowledge on the electoral reforms that would strengthen the capacity of the Stakeholders for viable democracy in the country.
“To harvest inputs that will form policy documents to be sent to the National Assembly as part of plans for a better election.
He noted that there was lots of ignorance that played out during the last elections which has prompted the need for speaking with stakeholders and leaders to review the issues observed.
“In 2023, we came to the conclusion that quite a lot of people didn’t have this knowledge, and not extended the knowledge.
“There was a lot of ignorance, a lot of misconceptions, which led to some of the challenges that we faced,”Nwagwu said.
The Executive however, called for a holistic approach to addressing electoral challenges, stressing that “election is a multi-stakeholder engagement” and that “we need to share the responsibility” and work together to improve the process.
Also Speaking, Alhaji Muhammad Nura, Bauchi State, Resident Electoral Commissioner’ National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) said the Commission empowers the Commission to prepare, produce and update the Register of voters, conduct, and supervise elections to all elective offices in Nigeria.
Represented by Director Voter Education Malam Aliyu Shaba said the processes for the conduct of the 2023 General Election involved many Stakeholders who have played vital roles in the electoral process.
“Considering the mission of INEC which is “to serve as an independent and effective Election Management Body (EMB) committed to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections for sustainable democracy in Nigeria”.
“The Commission is constantly evolving ways, in consultation with relevant Stakeholders most especially CSOs, to improve the electoral process for consolidating democracy in our dear country Nigeria.
“In fact, some of the reforms and innovations introduced by the Commission over the years were drawn from Stakeholders observations reports,” Nura said.
Our Correspondent reported that the stakeholders included Civil Society Organizations,(CSOs) community and religious leaders, Unions, Associations, Government officials,media, electoral officials, Security agencies among others.