2015: Kwara Speaker Commends Inec, European Union And United Nations On Electoral Education
Ahead of the March 2015 general election in Nigeria, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Razak Atunwa has commended the effort of the Independent Electoral Commission, the European Union, United Nations and other partners in educating voters in Nigeria.
Atunwa who commended the enormous contributions of the international community toward the success of previous elections held in Nigeria and the consolidation of Nigeria's democratic system, said the ongoing electoral education and interventions from the international community toward the success of the 2015 elections are remarkable gestures that will help achieve and sustain the conduct of free, fair and credible elections – as well as refine, enrich and advance the processes that embed and deepen sustainable democratic values in Nigeria.
The Kwara State Speaker made this known in a statement signed by his Media Office after a two-day electoral sensitization meeting hosted by the Kwara state chapter of the All Progressive Congress.
"It's impossible to talk about the development of our democracy today without mentioning the broad contributions of the international community; the European Union and United Nations in particular who keep playing vital roles in providing technical assistance,financial support and more importantly electoral education and trainings in order to educate Nigerian voters and have a violence free polls" he asserted.
Further speaking, Barr. Atunwa said "The commitment of INEC is also commendable. The deployment of card readers, training and advance testing of the machines are thoughtful gestures that will enhance the credibility of the forthcoming polls.
"Electoral education is key to electoral success, it will inform voters on electoral behaviors required for a free and fair election. The ongoing electoral education projects through TV and radio commercials, materials and lectures made available by the United Nations, European Union and others provide invaluable support to Nigerian voters and our democratic system as a whole.
"With these efforts, the elections will be more transparent and credible. This is a major step forward in our democratic journey as a nation. Relevant NGOs, groups and individuals should also engage in nationwide grassroots voter education drive in order to educate Nigerians in villages who have no access to TV commercials or seminar materials
"As the elections draw near, electoral education has mounted a high-profile nationwide with public service campaign to promote free, fair and peaceful elections. This should continue, in order to foster peace and prevent electoral violence" he added.
However, Barr. Atunwa call on Nigerians to join hands with INEC, United Nations, European Union and other organizations in the electoral education exercises. "Nigerians must cooperate with INEC and the international community in their effort to achieve a credible poll in Nigeria. Without our cooperation, the efforts of peace organizations will be frustrated, thus, we must give our support to them to ensure the forthcoming polls turn out as the best ever" he stated.
Rotimi Olawale