The Electoral Hub has expressed concern over the poor representation of women and People with Disabilities (PWD) in the appointment of 19 new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Director, IRIAD- The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels said the president failed to use this opportunity to right the poor gender representation in his administration with only three women appointees out of the nineteen new appointees.
In a press release issued in Abuja , she explained that out of these new appointees, it is unfortunate to note that only 15.8% are women, and there is no PWDs representation. 15.8% is an extremely poor representation.
She said this trend is also replicated at the National level with only two women National Commissioners (15.4%) out of 13 members Commission and no PWD.
According to her, the National Gender Policy provides for at least 35% representation for women. The Abuja Federal High Judgement of 6 April 2022 also affirms this provision. This action and the dismal figure are discriminatory against women and a violation of Sections 14(3), 42, and 147 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Articles 2, 13, and 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Articles II and IX of the Maputo Protocol.
She said the poor state of inclusion at the Commission is deplorable. As the primary electoral management body (EMB) responsible for presidential, governorship, and legislative elections across the country, INEC has the power to promote gender inclusion in the electoral process.
She said its ability to do this will be limited if it is not gender-inclusive internally.
“Given the poor state of women’s representation in decision-making processes
in Nigeria, it is imperative to have an all-
inclusive EMB (gender and PWD inclusive EMB) that can further drive the inclusion of women and other marginalised groups.
“We, therefore, call on the government to implement the National Gender Policy, which calls for at least 35% affirmative action for women in elective and appointive offices, and Sections 29 and 30 of the PWDs (Prohibition) Act 2018 which mandate the government to ensure that PWDs can effectively and fully participate in the conduct of public affairs without discrimination with at least 5% inclusion.
“Future appointments must take this principle seriously, otherwise, we risk completely marginalizing women and other vulnerable groups from meaningful participation in public life.
“Our demands will not only improve the status of marginalised groups – women
and PWDs but also promote democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
“This is because the democratic principles of participation, representation, and inclusion will be better adhered to when women and other marginalised groups are included in democratic institutions and practices.
“It is our hope that subsequent nominations into INEC and other public institutions will be more inclusive and equitable.
“The Electoral Hub, therefore, urges the the President to comply with the Constitution, National Gender Policy, and PWD Act and ensure that subsequent appointments in all facets of governance in Nigeria abide by the principles of inclusivity, equity, fairness, and justice,” she said.
