The Independent National Electoral Commission has displayed their worry over the minute level of participation of females in Nigerian politics.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kwara State, Malam Garba Attahiru-Madami, revealed this at a seminar entitled: ‘Mitigating Violence Against Women in the Electoral Processes.’’
Her words, “We are passionate about fostering women’s participation and political visibility in Nigeria.
“Our current ranking on the ratio of women’s political representation in Africa still leaves much to be desired.
“As the largest democracy in Africa, it is expected that our gender parity performance in politics and elective positions will complement our leadership position on the continent.”
He also talked about how INEC is fully ready to ensure that the 2019 electoral process was free, fair and credible.
His words, “To achieve this, every segment of the society must be carried along and measures put in place to protect them against vulnerabilities they might be predisposed to.”
“Violence against women distorts the purpose of democracy by suppressing and denying women who account for nearly half of the total population of electorate, their right to freely participate in the electoral process.”
“Considering that electoral outcome is expected to reflect the political wish and aspiration of the totality of the voting population, exclusion undermines the legality and legitimacy of electoral outcomes when electoral processes are marred with violence against women.”
