The future of Nigerian Youths is on the ballots for the 2023 Election as it is time for youths most especially young females to look out for leaders in the 2023 elections who will represent the best of us and who will bring the best value of governance.
A political analyst, Barr Stanley Epka, stated this while speaking on an Instagram live organized by the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) on Wednesday 23rd, 2022 on the topic; Galvanizing Nigerian Female Youths to Decide in the 2023 Elections
Barr. Stanley in his remarks about the importance of voting as youths in the forthcoming elections said that electing credible leaders who understand the core of societal issues and those who understand the importance of putting the right and important infrastructure in place.
Speaking on the benefits of youth participation, He said the 2023 elections present another chance to select persons from different fronts of leadership, from the presidency down to the house of representatives and house of assembly to elect persons who will put the basic social and economic infrastructures in place.
“Leaders that will build and make it conducive for all Nigerians to stay in Nigeria without having the ‘Jappa’ syndrome as we must know that in the 2023 election, our education is on the line, our health care is on the line, the future of a functional and efficient Nigeria is on the line and most importantly the future of a reproductive Nigeria is on the line in the 2023 elections as such we have a lot to lose or gain” He further stated.
Women’s Right Activist, Barr Vanen Kwen, addressing issues on the impact of violence on Women and Girls interested in voting come February 2023 said that the issue was multifaceted as it involves various women from those seeking political office to rural women who will participate in the coming elections
Barr Vanen said that the issue of violence against women in Nigeria has been a long structural and cultural issue that targets intimidation, fear and increases apathy amongst women to engage by coming out to vote in elections.
She called on Stakeholders including CSOs, Government, Political Parties, Religious leaders and Community members to begin to ask critical questions and make practical steps on what can be done to protect women and how to control some of the security risks in the forthcoming elections.
“To have a free and fair election we should be able to incorporate the best practices and also look at the critical issue and what can be done to protect the vulnerable groups in the society, Party actors must also be deliberate on creating conversation on how and what to do to protect women. ”
“CSOs and other stakeholders should also conduct a security threat assessment, create ways to monitor electoral processes and report on the spot situations both for pre and post-elections.” She said
The action for better female inclusion and participation in the electoral process in Nigeria (ABIPIN) is a project by the Centre For Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) and Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD) Nigeria. The project seeks to promote young female inclusion and participation in the electoral process in Nigeria come 2023.
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