2011: JEGA ASSURES WOMEN, VULNERABLE GROUPS

Prof. Attahiru Jega
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega has assured women and other vulnerable groups of a level playing field in the 2011 elections.

Jega gave the assurance while receiving in audience the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Josephine Anenieh and representatives of Women groups, in his office on Wednesday.

He said the commission under his leadership would do everything humanly possible to provide for segments of the society which had over the years, suffered systemic discrimination.

The chairman appealed to political parties to ensure that they entrench internal democracy and encourage women take active part in the process.

According to him, 'We at the Commission have said this time and again that we are committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election in 2011. It is a difficult but doable task.

'There are historic systemic discriminations against vulnerable groups especially women.'

He said INEC was putting in place structures to deal with these issues in order to deal with the situation.

He assured added that 'What ever we do as a Commission, we will provide a level playing field for everybody.'