From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
A group of religious, political, and civil society leaders under the platforms of Global Peace Foundation, Vision Africa and ADF International, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure they display absolute neutrality in all the processes that would culminate in 2023 general elections.
The Group observed that failure to be neutral and just to all parties could breed animosity and suspicion which could result in pre-election or post-election violence.
The Group, in a communique released at the end of the Inclusive Security Dialogue meeting in Abuja, stressed the need for increased support and participation of all stakeholders including the religious and traditional leaders, as well as security officials, to the cause of success elections in February and March this year.
The communique which was released by the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation, Rev John Hayab, indicated that over 300 youth leaders from multiple faith traditions, ethnicities, geographies, and ages, participated in the meeting, where they discussed and agreed on areas of mutual concern and potential solutions facing Nigeria.
Rev. Hayab, said that, in addition to being neutral in the process, participants asked INEC to ensure that on election day, electoral materials are distributed early for the exercise, and they are properly monitored and ensure compliance with the led-down processes, and also announce winners or losers publicly without delay to avoid unnecessary anxiety.
He said that INEC was also urged to avoid poor coordination of electoral process since lack of confidence in an electoral system could breed violence. “INEC were also asked to orientate the youths on the dangers of electoral violence to democratic stability, support active and positive participation of youths in the electoral process, and create awareness about the electoral process and make the collation transparent.”
He said that a proposal was also made to security forces to ensure that all voting sites are secured, and that plots to instigate violence are detected and stopped before they are committed.
“It was also suggested that security forces work with local governments to ensure that, not only the ability to vote but also that voters are not intimidated or dissuaded from voting. Political and civil society leaders were asked to use their platforms to promote the integrity of elections and condemn violence during elections or after winners have been announced.”
He also confirmed that security forces were asked to track and curtail ferocious and unhealthy campaigns and utter abuse of power by politicians. And they should work towards stopping cyberbullying and blackmail, and also shun compromises that may lead to the rigging of elections to bring in unpopular candidates.
Meanwhile, the responsibilities of the traditional rulers were also amplified at the meeting, with a charge for them to be actively involved in peace dialogue given their influence in the community.
“Religious leaders need to honestly preach peace to their congregations and communities, and work to promote mutual respect and understanding within and between faith communities,” it was advised.