Electoral hub advocates inclusive, peaceful, policy-based campaigns

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a think-tank group, The Electoral Hub, has called for inclusive, peaceful, and policy-based campaigns.

The 2023 general election is scheduled to hold on February 25, 2023, and end on March 11, 2023.

The Independent National Electoral Commission on 28 September officially lifted the campaign restrictions.

The statement reads, “An inclusive campaign is the hallmark of democracy. The inclusion of Women, Youths, and PWDs in campaign consideration will not only help deepen our democracy but also ensure that political parties tap into these electoral bases. Political parties need to develop a framework for the inclusion and engagement of all groups in our society. In line with The Electoral Hub’s commitments to promoting inclusion, we call for an inclusive campaign/manifesto by candidates as the importance of Youths, PWDs, and Women in politics cannot be overemphasised.

“The Nigerian political scene is coming of age and should reflect the same in character and process of campaigns, particularly considering the ethnic, and religious fault lines in our country. As the campaign begins, we call on political parties and candidates to jettison mudslinging and ethno religious campaigns and focus on issues critical to our common patrimony. Section 97 of the Electoral Act stipulates that anybody or association that engages in campaigning or broadcast based on religion, tribal or sectional reasons for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular candidate or party commits an offence and is liable to conviction.

“During this campaign period, The Electoral Hub calls on the different electoral stakeholders as follows: Candidates/Political Parties comply with all legal provisions in relation to campaigns; focus on and conduct policy-based campaigns targeting real pertinent issues bedeviling the country such as wealth creation and distribution, securing lives and properties; ensure messages are inclusive, not inciting, peaceful, and policy-based; be transparent and accountable in their spending as provided by the law.”

The group also urged the media to encourage policy-based campaigns, and discourage personal attacks, polarising, and hate speeches.