Democracy Day: CSO urges FG to prioritize integrity of electoral process 

The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD)/The Electoral Hub has urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the integrity of the country’s electoral process by ensuring the conduct of transparent and fair elections that reflect the will of the people in the forthcoming Edo governorship election and beyond.

By Chimezie Godfrey 

The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD)/The Electoral Hub has urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the integrity of the country’s electoral process by ensuring the conduct of transparent and fair elections that reflect the will of the people in the forthcoming Edo governorship election and beyond.

The advocacy was made by the Director, RIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, in commemoration of the International Democracy Day 2024, with the theme:”Artificial Intelligence As a Tool for Good Governance.”

She reaffirmed commitment to promoting democratic values and practices in Nigeria, adding that this year’s observance of democracy day is particularly significant as it coincides with the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections, a critical moment for “our democracy and governance”.

Hamman-Obels noted that the theme of this year’s democracy day is timely and relevant, as AI transforms government operations, adding that it is crucial to harness its potential for transparency, accountability, and people-centric policies. 

She however, said that it raises concerns about bias, privacy, and job displacement, adding that the theme highlights the need for democratic institutions to proactively address these challenges and ensure AI serves the public interest, promoting more inclusive and effective governance.

According to her, democracy is not merely a system of governance; it is a vital framework that empowers citizens, promotes human rights, and fosters sustainable development. 

“In Nigeria, where the democratic journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, the upcoming elections present an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to democratic ideals. 

“Participation in governance, as encouraged by democratic principles, is vital for achieving peaceful and inclusive societies, as emphasized in SDG 16. Accountability and transparency among public officials and institutions align with SDG 16 targets to develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. 

“Upholding the rule of law is essential for maintaining peace and security, while also ensuring equal access to justice for all, as outlined in SDG 16. Democracy is also linked to the protection of human rights, including gender equity (SDG 5) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). A democratic framework fosters an environment where marginalized groups can advocate for their rights and participate fully in society.

“Despite having a democratic constitution, Nigeria’s institutions often struggle with corruption and inefficiency. The electoral process has been marred by allegations of malpractices, violence, and a lack of transparency, undermining public trust in the process. 

“The current political environment in Nigeria has seen a decline in civil liberties, and shrinking civil spaces, with reports of intimidation and violence against civil society activists, civil advocates and journalists. This environment poses a threat to the fundamental human rights that democracy seeks to protect, impacting citizens’ ability to engage freely in the political process. 

“Also, women and youth remain underrepresented in political leadership and governance, which limits the diversity of perspectives in governance in Nigeria.

“As we approach the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, IRIAD expects the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct transparent and fair elections that reflect the will of the people, ensuring that all eligible voters can participate without barriers. 

“We urge political parties and candidates to engage in ethical campaign practices, focusing on constructive dialogue and the issues that matter to the electorate, while avoiding hate speech and violence. It is imperative that citizens are well-informed about the electoral process, and we call on civil society organizations, the media, National Orientation Agency, and INEC to collaborate in providing accurate information about voting procedures and candidates. Additionally, we expect security agencies to maintain impartiality and ensure a safe environment for voters to exercise their rights without fear of intimidation or violence,” she stated.