Africa
A civil society group, Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), says that ignorant and misunderstanding the 2022 Electoral Act contributed to the 2023 general elections controversies.
Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director, PAACA, said this at the Citizens Town Hall Meeting on Electoral Reform, supported by MacArthur Foundation, on Thursday in Awka.
Nwagwu also said that in spite of its availability in public domain, many Nigerians were ignorant of electoral laws.
“Election is a law-guided activity and you cannot participate in it without understanding the laws governing its operation.
“Just as Christians have a copy of the Bible to guide them and the Muslims have the Quran to guide them, so also citizen should have a copy of the Electoral Act, study it and apply it,’’ he said.
According to him, many people including critical stakeholders and analysts, talk about elections in ignorance with lots of misinformation.
“We are holding this town hall forum in the 36 states to popularise electoral knowledge and education as well as obtain suggestions and ideas to improve our Electoral process,” Nwagwa said.
He further explained that the forum would train traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, religious leaders and the media to deepen the understanding of the Electoral Act 2022 ahead of the next elections.
Nwagwu added that the training would help the leaders to speak authoritatively about election process and educate their people.
“‘We will distribute the abridged electronic copy of the Electoral Act to empower people with the knowledge of the Electoral Act.
He said the forum would drive the change and reforms in the society especially on elections and good governance. (NAN)
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-May 2, 2024 @ 21:56 GMT|
Tags: Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu PAACA
