THE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu yesterday in Benin reiterated the determination of the electoral body in conducting a free, fair and inclusive election next year.
Yakubu who spoke at a one Day National Consultation of key stakeholders on Women in Politics to adopt work plan for gender Mainstreaming and Mitigation of Gender-Based Violence during elections advised those who are yet to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to do so and also take the opportunity of the ongoing collection of the cards in the local government areas.
The INEC boss said that people without y voters’ card, you will not be allowed to vote in the 2019 general elections, insisting that those who want to be part of that process, must not only register but also be armed with their card.
The INEC chairman was represented by Mrs. Blessing Obidegwu, Deputy Director, Gender Division, INEC Headquarters said.
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He said: “The theme of today’s meeting is one that is dear to the commission as violence affects the integrity of any election.
“The commission is opened to collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that barriers that prevent women from actively participating in elections are positively addressed.”
Yakubu noted that the commission was collaborating with development partners including United Nations (UN) in order to achieve the goals.
While calling on participants at the meeting to ensure that all violence against women in elections is addressed, he added that they should also proffer strategies towards mitigating them.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu who declared the event opened, called on women to take advantage of their numerical strength to participate in elections.
While canvassing for the setting up of a tribunal to try electoral violence and other crimes during elections, he called on INEC to be involved in voters education before elections.
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