By Ewache Ajefu
As part of eforts toward advancing electoral reforms ahead of the 2015 Elections, the UNDP- Democratic Governance for Development Project (DGD II) in collaboration with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Civil Society, Media and other stakeholders held a two-day multi-stakeholders conference with the theme: “Tasks and Responsibilities towards 2015 Elections” in Abuja .
The overall objective of the Forum is to promote inclusive, credible, transparent and, sustainable electoral processes in Nigeria through the facilitation of a platform for stakeholders’ engagement towards 2015.
Top on the agenda at the Forum were key issues relating to the 2015 elections, including: voter education, voter register and voter registration; constituency delimitation; improving the participation of marginalized groups, engagement with political parties and the role of Civil Society and the Media.
The Forum witnessed strategic sessions with key stakeholders including the National Assembly, INEC, political parties and civil society.
Speaking on the conference, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria; Dr. Daouda Toure said “Nigeria has no choice other than to focus on building and nurturing electoral democracy because available evidence suggests that democratic governance is fundamental to realizing critical human development goals, including the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
According to him, democratic elections are a key avenue to facilitate genuine participation by all citizens in public decision making processes.”
