Sola POPOOLA
A Civil Society Orga(CSO) Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF) has said that the twin challenges of fuel and currency Scarcity may impact negatively on voter’s turn out during Saturday poll .
In the Pre-Election Press Statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti also said Vote trading is a possibility in the elections as politicians may want to take advantage of the economic crises and cash crunch to lure voters.
In the statement signed by Ms. Oluwatumininu Adedeji, the Executive Director, BIGIF & {Convener, Case Tracking and Response Centre (CTRC)} also identified Polling Units decongestion exercise carried our by INEC could be factor that may affect voters out .
According to the statement, “the relocated some voters to new
polling units may lead to some voters’ inability to exercise their voting right
particularly those who were not able to access the new PU through using
information that INEC put out earlier in that regard. This might also be a driver of violence if not properly managed on Election Day.
“The negative impact of PVC collection challenges on the elections. Our interaction with people particularly students of tertiary institutions in Ado, Ikere, Oye, Iworoko, Ikole and Isan Ekiti during voters education revealed that a good number of students who registered for PVC in their homes during the strike could not collect their PVC because of school activities including exams before the election. This category of voters will be disenfranchised during the elections though the federal government has declared closure of University for the elections
Our Recommendations
“The Ekiti State Government should conduct a full investigation of the alleged shooting of a female (a minor) in a pre-election violence at Ikoro Ekiti on 30th January, 2023 during a political rally and bring perpetrators to justice. We also urge the government to support the
survivor’s recovery.
“Citizens should refrain from committing any form of violence against women in politics during the General elections. It is the responsibility of all citizens to protect the rights of women at all times particularly during the elections.
“INEC should centre the needs and aspirations of vulnerable groups (aged, pregnant women and people living with disability) during the elections to ensure fair treatment and prevent their agency being tampered with by party agents.
“Women and men should mobilise all women in their neighbourhood and communities to participate in the elections. Security agencies should ensure that intimidation of women voters and other forms of violence that occur during the elections are handled with utmost professionalism and ensure that persons who commit VAWIP are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
BIGIF also hinted that ” CTRC will be opened in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday 25th February, 2023 and closed Sunday 26th February, 2023 for the Election Day (E-Day) response. While the structure will equally be sustained for post-election GBV response.
BIGIF commended the Ekiti Women Advocacy Team (EWAT) and other stakeholders, including security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and sister organizations (CSOs) for continuing to perform their roles and responsibility towards ensuring an
inclusive, participatory, and secure 2023 General elections.
If you witness or experience a VAWIP case, please calls this toll free number: 0800- 300- 3333.
BIGIF is a reputable non-governmental and non-partisan organization with years of experience implementing development projects. BIGIF is a registered woman-led organization that focuses on enhancing
healthy living and promoting the rights of women, youth and children.