Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has called on political parties to continuously build the capacity and monitor the activities and performances of the candidates and elected representatives.
The call was made at a one-day stakeholder dialogue organized by CHRCR in Kogi West senatorial district on prioritizing anti-corruption and accountability issues towards 2023 elections at the state level.
This was part of the communiqué issued at the end of the dialogue held at Charvid Hotel in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu local government area of Kogi state and signed by the executive director of CHRCR, Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul.
Stakeholders noted that though citizens are still enthusiastic to participate in electoral process, political parties and their candidates, most often, do not keep to their campaign promises and this is one of the reasons for disenchantment of the citizens in governance. They added that failure of political actor to keep their promises has negatively impacted on the trust of the citizens at the community level, resulting in loss of confidence in the democratic process and elections in particular.
They urged political parties and candidates seeking elective positions to incorporate anti-corruption and accountability in their manifesto, to serve as guide to prospective candidates that will win elections on their behalf, which will in-turned lead to good governance.
“There is need for political parties to make their manifestos and constitution public, to enable the electorate to make informed choices during elections,” the communiqué read.
They also decried the low women inclusion in political activities by parties.
“There is need for political parties to put deliberate strategies in place for the inclusion of women in key elective and appointive positions in the party activities and programmes.
“There is need for increased levels of awareness creation for women and other stakeholders on inclusive political party participation.”
The stakeholders urged political parties, their candidates and supporters to play by the rules and guidelines during the campaigns to ensure a safe and credible outcome for the 2023 general elections.
The meeting had in attendance members of political parties, students, community based organizations, market women, hunters, religious groups, traditional leaders, members of National Union of Road Transport Union (NURTW) and youth groups.
