THE European Center for Electoral Support (ECES) has called for the active participation of Nigerian women in the electoral process of the country as the 2019 General Elections draw closer.

The Project Coordinator of ECES, Mr Rudolph Elbling, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the National Dialogue with Nigerian Women toward the 2019 Elections organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Elbling said that the event sought to update the Nigerian women on INEC’s preparations toward the 2019 elections, and examine what role women could play to participate and improve the conduct of elections.

He noted that women constituted about a half of the total voting population and their active participation in the electoral process gave practical expression to the essence of democracy as government of the people, by the people and for the people.

“It is therefore regrettable that over the years, the women have been marginalised in the electoral process and have to contend with systemic and cultural challenges that limit their rights as voters and candidates in elections.

“The decision of INEC to convene the dialogue is a welcome development in widening the space for improved participation in the electoral process.

“I am delighted that this event seeks to update the Nigerian women on INEC’s preparations toward the 2019 election, solicit their inputs and perspectives into the preparations.

“And, that it will also help examine what role women can play to improve that resolutions at this summit will create synergy and strengthen commitment of all stakeholders toward active and non-active violent conduct of the next elections,” he said.

He restated the commitment of ECES to continue to partner with INEC in promoting the participation of women, youth, Persons Living with Disabilities and other marginalised groups in the electoral process.

He recalled that ECES had supported the Gender Division of INEC to implement voter education and sensitisation activities for women across the nation

He said that the latest of the sensitisation prgramme was the production of a television documentary on Women and Politics titled: Voice of women that was launched on Wednesday.

According to him, the television documentary seeks to highlight the challenge and prospects of women participation in the electoral process.

He expressed optimistic that the documentary would serve as an advocacy tool for inspiring concerted action for improved women participation ahead of the 2019 elections and beyond.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mamudu Yakubu, commended women for sensitising Nigerians on the need to pick up their PVC’s and vote peacefully during the upcoming elections.

Mahmud said that INEC was committed to enhancing women’s participation in the 2019 elections. (NAN)

– Feb. 6, 2019 @ 18:52 GMT |