Emerge Women Development Initiative, a leading gender focused civic organisation working across Nigeria to attain gender justice and gender equality in Education Economic Empowerment, Health, leadership and decision making Processes/positions, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Electoral bill into law.
The group described the signing of the electoral Bill into law as a great milestone ‘In our political landscape in the face of the 2023 election.’
In a statement made available to Jungle-Journalist.Com, founder of Emerge Women, Mary Ikoku described the signing of the bill as a victory for democracy that will enhance free and fair elections and enhance the ability of women to participate more effectively in the political process. “Emerge Women is delighted that this move is coming at a time when the rights of women, youths and physically challenged is receiving attention all over the world”.
Thanking the President, Ikoku said the new electoral law will strengthen inclusiveness and equity such that youth, women, men and differently abled persons will have equal opportunities to vote and be voted for. Adding that the law is a game changer with the potential to reshape party politics in Nigeria. “I will like to commend his Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for hearkening to the yearning of citizens and fulfilling his promise to support electoral reform by signing the Electoral bill into law.
Speaking further, Ikoku underscored the many added benefits and value of the new electoral bill to the Electoral process, adding that “election results can now be transmitted electronically, there is card reader usage, primaries to be conducted not later than 180 days before the election, and more significantly, the requirement for political office holders who are interested in running for elective office to resign at least 180 days before the conduct of primaries.
“These reforms, she said will impact positively on women’s ability to run successfully for political office.
Ikoku said that the Electoral bill will also strengthen INEC’s ability to conduct elections independently without interference from the political elite. She urged political parties to fully adhere to the provisions of the new Electoral act so that the forthcoming 2023 elections will be peaceful, credible free and fair.