Well over fifty percent of registered voters that will be casting their votes in the forthcoming general election in Kogi State are made up of women.
The Kogi State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof James Apam disclosed this on Friday at a town hall meeting with women groups and gender focused CSO’s for enhanced participation of women in election.
Apam, while reaffirming the readiness of INEC towards conducting a free, fair, and credible election in the country, urged women to increase their interest in the political process of the country.
This, according to him, is imperative as women has continued to play a pivotal role in strengthening the democratic process of the country.
The REC who was represented by the administrative secretary of the commissioner, Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq assured women of adequate security during the process.
The INEC boss however urged women to caution their wards at home, as the electoral umpire is determined to prosecute any individual caught in electoral violence and fraud.
According to him, violence during election hinders political participation and good representation in governance.
He urged them to consciencetize their children to rise against any fraudulent politicians who intend to arm them for their own selfish interest in the forthcoming polls.
Prof Apam announced that the commission has recorded 88.3% collection of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) as 193, 381 PVCs are yet to be collected from INEC as at Wednesday 6th February, 2019.
While wishing participants a fruitful deliberation, Prof Apam also took time to educate women on the seven guidelines of voting and the resolution of the body to give preferences to pregnant and nursing women, including persons living with disabilities.
Earlier in her address, the executive director challenged Parenthood network initiative (CPNI), Eunice Abimbola Agbogun said INEC cannot do it alone, pointing out that there is need for collective responsibility to ensure women participation in the forthcoming general election.
She said every stakeholder has a role to play to ensure that the election is credible and violence free.
Also speaking, the Gender Desk officer of INEC, Mrs Sharon while giving an overview of the meetings objectives said the policy seeks to encourage and expand the participation and inclusion of all in the political and electoral space.
She stressed that the commission has the task of not just conducting elections, but to also ensure the inclusiveness and promote sound democratic knowledge among stakeholders.
The desk officer further maintained that the commission is committed to gender equality and gender balance in its electioneering process.
