IDRIS AHMED, LOKOJA.
The Conscience for Hunan Rights and Conflicts Resolution (CHRCR), a Kogi based Civil Society Organisations, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to change its strategy for the collection of the Permanent Voters Cards by the prospective voters.
A communique issued at the end of a one day review meeting with political parties on anti corruption and accountability towards the 2023 election held at Halims hotel, Lokoja last week, urged INEC to further decentralize the collection centers.
The advise became necessary in view of imminent dis enfranchisent of thousands of voters who may not be able to access the current collection centres due to logistics and poverty.
While the he communique noted that the current strategy is not producing the right responses from citizens, political parties to effectively engage in mobilization of citizens for collection of PVC as they are the primary beneficiary of the electoral process.
The meeting also resolved that political parties should continue to ensure that women are actively engaged in party activities and leadership positions
While appreciating the peaceful conduct of the primary elections, the discussants also advised that Internal party democracies should be strengthened.
The group, however, advised political parties and their candidates on the need to include anti corruption, transparency and accountability in their campaign promises and manifestos
The communique while frowning at hate speeches, inflammatory utterances and unguided statements by political party leaders, candidates and their supporters , urged security agencies and INEC to be watchful and deal decisively with those found wanting.
Equally Security agencies have been called upon to nip in the bud, the general insecurity issues in the country to ensure a free, fair and credible elections.
