The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders on Wednesday in Abuja validated a strategy document for enhancing youth participation in electoral processes.
The event was organised by INEC, Yiaga Africa and the European Union Centre for Electoral Systems (ECES) has sought stakeholders’ inputs in developing a document aimed at mainstreaming youth participation in the process.Chairman of the INEC’s Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Dr. Adekunle Ogumola, who represented INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in his opening remarks, stressed the important role of youths in the electoral process.
He said, “The commission is a threshold of developing a youth document, a document that codifies INEC youth focal activities with the ultimate objective of increasing the young people’s awareness and informed participation in the electoral process.”
He said the journey by the commission to develop a Youth Strategy to structure and animate youth participation in the electoral process started before 2017, with pre-inception consultation meetings with experts on youth matters and youth focal CSOs to lay groundwork.
He said, “This was immediately followed by inaugural meeting in January 2018 with broad spectrum of stakeholders with technical support from Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) to draw up a plan of action to guide the development.”
He stressed the commission’s determination towards a more robust electoral process with increased youth participation.He said, “The commission is passionate about integrating youth matters into the mainstream electoral process.
Hence, its determined efforts at providing structure and funding in sustainable manner to address the institutional, socio-economic challenges impeding youth unhindered participation in the electoral process.”While commending YIAGA Africa and ECES contributions to the development of the document, Ogunmola noted that the assistance from the commission’s partners has not only made the meeting possible but also helped INEC in developing a strategy document for youth that will stand the test of time and also continue to fulfil the objective of promoting young men and women’s interest and awareness in the electoral process.
