Democracy Day: IRIAD, Electoral Hub stand in solidarity with Nigerians, seek actions

The Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub have expressed solidarity with Nigerians as the country marks 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.

Princess Hamman-Obels, Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub issued this solidarity message in a statement. Aside from that, she also said, “Despite progress made, Nigeria still faces challenges in consolidating its democracy, including limited access to democratic processes for marginalized communities”

She noted, “Today, June 12^th, the Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub commemorates Democracy Day 2024.

“On this Democracy Day, we at IRIAD and The Electoral Hub stand in solidarity with Nigerians to honour the nation’s strides towards democratic governance and pay tribute to the courageous individuals who have fought tirelessly to establish and preserve democracy in Nigeria. As we honour the legacy of our heroes past, we recognize the transformative impact of knowledge, innovation, and inclusivity on our democratic journey, and reaffirm our commitment to continued progress.

“In line with IRIAD’s values of public accountability, knowledge, and inclusive governance, we recognize the need for a democratic process that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable. We advocate for a process that fosters active citizen engagement, informed decision-making, and transparency, ensuring leaders are held accountable and marginalized communities are empowered to drive sustainable development and a brighter future for all Nigerians.

Princess further said, “We recognize that voter apathy, limited political participation, and accountability remain significant challenges. To overcome these, we must harness the power of knowledge to educate and empower citizens, leverage innovation to enhance political engagement, and foster inclusive governance that represents the diverse voices of our nation.

“Despite progress made, Nigeria still faces challenges in consolidating its democracy, including limited access to democratic processes for marginalized communities. To address these challenges, IRIAD calls on stakeholders to prioritize democratic institution building, increase investment in democratic processes, and promote inclusive and accountable governance.

“By working together in a spirit of collaboration, investing in our collective future, and upholding a shared vision of inclusive democracy, we can build a prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to flourish and contribute to the nation’s sustainable growth and progress.

While calling for action , the CSO groups made specific stakeholders to make some.moves.For instance: “Government: Strengthen democratic institutions by upholding the rule of law, ensuring judicial independence, investing in voter education (especially for marginalized communities), promoting reforms that expand access to polling stations, and addressing voter registration barriers.

• “Civil Society Organizations: Join forces with like-minded individuals and organizations to spearhead initiatives that empower citizens with knowledge of their democratic rights and responsibilities. Advocate for electoral reforms that drive transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. Drive innovation and knowledge sharing to strengthen democratic practices, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement in the pursuit of democratic excellence.
• “Citizens: Empower yourselves by registering to vote, researching candidates, participating in civic activities, and holding elected officials accountable by voicing concerns and monitoring their performance.
• Media: The media plays a vital role in the pursuit of democracy, serving as a watchdog for truth and accountability. By disseminating accurate and unbiased information, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and holding those in power accountable for their actions, the media is essential in fostering a well-informed and engaged citizenry, which is crucial for the healthy functioning of a democratic society.
• “Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs): are the guardians of Nigeria’s democracy, and their duties are crucial to ensuring the legitimacy of the democratic process EMBs must prioritize voter education, fraud prevention, and timely and accurate election results to build trust, uphold electoral integrity, and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations. Together, we can ensure the will of the people is reflected in the government they elect and secure a brighter future for Nigeria’s democracy.

Princesss said, “By uniting stakeholders and aligning our efforts, we can bolster Nigeria’s democratic foundations and drive transformative progress. Through collaborative action, dedicated investment, and a collective pledge to democracy that is inclusive and accountable, we can build a future where all Nigerians can freely exercise their democratic privileges, embrace their civic duties, and contribute to a prosperous and sustainable nation.”