An election observer group, YIAGA Africa, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State to publish information to enable eligible voters to locate the new polling units as well as how to get their permanent voter cards for a seamless process.
Election Programme Manager, Mr Paul James, stated this, on Thursday, in Awka at a programme to engage Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) leaders in the state.
He also urged political parties to get involved in voter education, saying they commanded the highest number of followership as far as election is concerned.
He explained that voters needed to understand the need to make conscious efforts to participate in the electoral process rather than sit on the fence.
“Whether we like it or not, if you do not participate in the election, you do not have the moral right to question the kind of governance you get. You are responsible for the kind of government you get,” he noted.
James highlighted low voter education, electoral violence, voter inducement by political parties and lack of voter engagement, as among the factors that contributed to low electoral participation in the state.
He insisted that there was the need to foster collaboration among CSOs to drive citizens’ engagement and participation as well as build citizen’s confidence in the electoral process.
“We are engaging with CSOs to understand the political climate in Anambra, what to expect in the forthcoming election and to share our methodologies of election observation via Watching The Vote and Parallel Vote Tabulation plans.
“Voter engagement, information and education are very low in Anambra, especially education targeted at women, youths and persons with disabilities.
“We need to agree as stakeholders on how to improve voter education, engagement and mobilisation to change the narrative in the November 6 guber election. We have an opportunity to right the wrong,” he added.
One of the participants and Executive Director, Catch them Young Community Initiative, Nonso Orakwe, urged all Civil Society Organisations in the state to form a common front to contribute their quota towards ensuring a successful poll.
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