The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured women of full participation in the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi, Prof James Apam, gave the assurance yesterday in Lokoja during a sensitisation/town hall meeting on women participation in election organised by the commission in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).
He said as part of the commission’s gender responsiveness, priority would be given to women especially the aged, pregnant and nursing mothers to cast their votes first on the day of election.
Apam noted that the issue of violence in election has been a major factor that hampered women participation in politics and the electoral process.
Earlier, the Deputy Director, Gender Division at INEC, Mrs Blessing Obidegwu, said the commission was concerned about an inclusive electoral process and as such, would do all it could to encourage women participation.
The Country Director, IFES, Herman Thiel, in his remarks, said countries do better when women are encouraged to participate in the electoral process.
He said their organisation was in the country to support INEC and other democratic institutions in enhancing the nation’s electoral process.
Credit: Daily Trust
