Encouraging electorates at the local level in Nigeria to be more conscious of local government elections, Yiaga Africa, a Civil Society Organisation, emphasized the importance of actively participating in the governance process beyond just casting votes.
During an Advocacy Roundtable on Legislative Reform for Enhanced Local Government Elections in the capital of Akwa Ibom State – Uyo, the Chairman of Partners for Electoral Reforms, Ezenwa Nwagwu, highlighted the lack of focus given to local government elections.
Nwagwu, in his Keynote Address titled “Local Government Elections: A Vital Element for Democratic Progress,” underscored the significance of local government elections in enhancing democracy. However, he expressed concern that these elections have been overshadowed by the governors, allowing the ruling party to dominate the polls.
He urged civil society organizations and the media to ramp up efforts in conducting voter education at the grassroots level to raise awareness about governance, especially concerning the local government budgets.
Stressing the necessity for a heightened consciousness of sub-national elections, Nwagwu highlighted the importance of full participation in local government affairs as a means to reduce crime rates and ensure effective governance.
In her presentation, Cynthia Mbamalu emphasized that elections should not be viewed merely as a political process but as a fundamental human right that eligible voters must exercise.
Mbamalu commended Akwa Ibom State for taking the lead in revising its State Electoral Law and suggested that financial autonomy, a feature present in the electoral act for INEC, should also be extended to SIEC for optimal functioning.
Commenting on the limitations of local government elections, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, Aniedi Ikoiwak, pointed out the constitutional loopholes such as the absence of specified tenure for council chairmen, unlike the presidency and governorship levels.
Instead of advocating for the scrapping of SIEC, Ikoiwak recommended measures to strengthen the commission for the improvement and operational efficiency of local governments.
Also, Safiya Bichi of Yiaga Africa urged Civil Society Organizations to identify and address the factors impeding citizens’ participation in elections by reigniting their interest through robust voter education initiatives.
The Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, Anthony Bassey, highlighted voter apathy as a significant factor undermining grassroots elections, citing a prevailing belief among the populace that governors had already selected their preferred candidates.
Bassey called on lawmakers to enhance existing legislations and encouraged CSOs to engage with the media to expose electoral irregularities.