We all have responsibility to protect our elections, democracy – Electoral Hub

A think-tank group under the aegis Electoral Hub has stressed the need for Nigerians to the country’s elections and democracy.

The group said this in a statement released to commemorate the International Day of Democracy held on September 15.

The statement reads, “The Electoral Hub urges all national and local stakeholders as well as citizens to promote and imbibe democratic ideas and values and safeguard the Integrity of the upcoming 2023 general elections.

“The Electoral Hub and the Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Democracy.

“Elections are a large part of the democratic process of any country; and if characterised by inconsistencies and irregularities, the democratic system is bound to be negatively impacted. Since Nigeria returned to constitutional democracy in 1999, there have been documented reports of electoral malpractices, election violence, vote-trading, under-aged voting, intimidation of election officials, ballot box snatching and stuffing, and other electoral vices that have challenged the integrity of successive elections.

“The absence of a multi-sectoral institution that deals specifically with election-related offences contribute to increasing electoral impunity and marring the democratic processes.”

The group also urged all relevant national and local stakeholders to make necessary efforts in ensuring that the 2023 general elections reflect the collective will of Nigerians.

“Reports on campaign monitoring should be made available timely in order to promote transparency and accountability. The media should encourage and focus more on policy-based campaigns by candidates and political parties.

“The secrecy of the ballot should be upheld in order to curb the issues of vote trading. INEC and all relevant stakeholders including security agencies should ensure that the issue of terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, rural banditry, and other security challenges do not disenfranchise voters in affected areas, particularly internally displaced persons – IDP.

“As we celebrate the International Day of Democracy, it bears mentioning that we all have a responsibility to protect our elections and democracy,” the group added.