INEC
INEC seeks voter registration centres.The Independent National Electoral Commission urged on Thursday for the establishment of voter registration centers in IDP camps and host communities.
The registration centers, according to the commission, would allow IDPs to exercise their franchise without unnecessary difficulties.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, INEC, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, made this known in Abuja at the training of IDP coordinators on 2022 regulations and framework for voting by the IDPs.
The programme which was organised by the All-rights Foundation Africa and funded by the European Union through its Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria focused on enhancing IDPs’ participation in the electoral process.
INEC will evaluate the electoral system for voters in IDP camps in September 2022.
According to INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, this was owing to the enactment of the 2022 Electoral Act and the use of new technologies.
Ajayi, who was represented by Dorathy Bello, a committee member of the Framework for Voting by IDPs, stated that the predicament of IDPs is of considerable concern because they frequently undergo immense hardships and face many hurdles on a daily basis.
The National Commissioner noted that based on the obstacles faced by the IDPs, “We must collectively work towards creating an inclusive and enabling environment that encourages and empowers the IDPs to actively participate in the democratic process.
“As a first step, we advocate for the establishment of easily accessible and well-organized voter registration centers in IDP camps and host communities.”
“This will make it easier for IDPs to register as voters and exercise their right to vote without undue hardship.”
“Additionally, as an inclusive Commission, implementation of voter education programmes tailored to the specific needs of IDPs, aiming to inform them about their rights, the electoral process, and the significance of their participation is very crucial.”
Ajayi added that the commission with the collaboration of relevant stakeholders can mobilize resources and expertise to ensure that IDPs are adequately represented and that their interests are safeguarded in the political sphere.
At the event, Jake Epelle, Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, stated that people are unaware of INEC laws, thus the need to train IDP coordinators.
“An IDP is automatically a marginalized person.”
“INEC has many policies and frameworks that many people are unaware of.” One of these initiatives is the electoral framework for IDP camp voters.
“This is our first step in educating not only the coordinators, but also the general public, about the role of INEC and IDPs in the electoral process,” Epelle explained.