The Executive Director of
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul has called on political parties to designed, issue-based campaigns in elections to reduce the influence of money politics that lead to corruption.
This was contained in a communique issued at the One-Day Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) partners review and strategy meeting on prioritizing anti-corruption and accountability issues towards 2023 elections organized by conscience for Concience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) held in Lokoja on Tuesday.
The communique said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Kogi State has not shown commitment in mobilizing citizens and accessibility, saying all efforts to engage the commission by stakeholders has failed despite the crucial period of campaigns by political parties and Candidates towards for the 2023 general elections in Kogi State.
“There are several reports of eligible persons who have wish to Register to Vote but can no longer do so due to the closure of the registration portal.
“Political corruption has had severe implications on the quality of Governance by throwing up persons with Questionable characters for elections.
“The partnership and collaboration among Stakeholders implementing Anti-Corruption and Accountability activities will promote sustainability and ensure scale up and scope of success towards the 2023 Elections” the communique said.
He stated that , there is need to increase Voters Education targeting groups that traditionally are not targeted (e.g Hunters, Artisans, persons at the grass root level who are voters like every other persons) especially before elections to ensure adequate awareness creation on the electoral process.
“Concerted efforts must be made to incorporate and include Persons with Disabilities taking cognizance of their peculiarities during elections.
“INEC to improve on its enlightenment and stakeholders mobilization on its activities at State level to encourage citizens confidence and participation” he said
The communique called on eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process by obtaining their Permanent Voters Cards especially now that the process by INEC is on-going before the 2023 elections.
