By Prisca Nguzo
Key stakeholders in Imo State have promised to prioritize awareness campaigns on electoral processes especially at the rural communities to facilitate credible, free, fair and acceptable outcomes in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
They made the pledge at one-day Citizens Townhall Meeting on Electoral Reforms organized by Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, PAACA, with support from MacArthur Foundation, held in Owerri on Wednesday.
The stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aboki Danjuma, represented by the Command's spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs. Stellamaris Oparaugo; former Chairperson, Imo FIDA and human rights activists, Mrs. Ndidi Val-Okeoma, among others applauded the organizers, noting that the meeting aside availing them in-depth knowledge of electoral reforms and processes, also reignited their resolve to effectively discharge their responsibilities during elections for credible and acceptable outcomes.
Oparaugo and others also pledged to strengthen their commitment and collaboration towards enlightening the citizens especially the electorates about their rights, roles, powers and expectations prior, during and after elections periods for the collective interest of the citizens and the nation.
Speaking earlier, PAACA Executive Director, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu noted that the prevailing challenges experienced during elections in the country majorly hinged on citizens' lack of in-depth knowledge of electoral processes and legal frameworks.
According to him, until electorates fully understand elections processes; guidelines, innovations, laws and also; their fundamental roles and powers during elections, outcomes would continue to fall below expectations, marred by fragrant irregularities and contentious.
Nwagwu disclosed that the meeting was designed to galvanise critical stakeholders to identify existing challenges in electoral processes and proffer solutions that would guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in 2027 and afterwards.
He said, "this townhall meeting provided the key stakeholders here the opportunity to identify measures to be implemented to combat electoral fraud and manipulation; strategies to be adopted to increase voter education and civic engagement; initiatives to be implemented to promote inclusive and accessible voting processes; and how to leverage on technologies available to enhance election integrity."
"We also looked at electoral legal framework and institutional reform; suggested reforms needed to strengthen electoral laws and regulations; how we can enhance the independence and effectiveness of electoral management bodies; and to restore citizens' confidence on electoral processes; among others."
"In all, our goal is to popularise the electoral act 2022 and to harness ideas, policies and strategies in order to change the narratives in 2027 elections and beyond." Nwagwu added.
The meeting also had in attendance representatives of traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, elections umpire, INEC, police and other security agencies, media practitioners, women and youths groups, political parties, among other election stakeholders.
