The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC on Saturday held a national consultation with security agencies on protecting voters’ access and participation during the forthcoming elections.
The NHRC, during the event organized with support from the Ford Foundation and Legal Defence Assistance Project (LEDAP) also launched its 2023 election project called Mobilizing Voters for Elections (MOVE).
“This is the first series of the two national consultations on the role of law enforcement and security agencies in protecting voter access and participation during elections.
According to him, ” this is part of our engagement aimed at integrating human rights into the 2023 electoral process.
“This consultation is focusing on the role of law enforcement and security agencies in promoting voter access and participation during the election.
“The Commission is approaching national consultation from both constitutional and normative approaches.
“It officially launched on Oct.17, 2022, with the aim to integrate human rights principles in the electoral process to ensure access, participation and accountability in the 2023 election.
“The general elections in 2011, the percentage of legible voters participating in the election has declined,” he said.
The executive secretary further explained that 35 percent voter turnout in the 2019 presidential elections was a wake-up call for the commission and other stakeholders.
He said the downward trend had continued in subsequent off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Anambra states.
He added that the 2023 election was a significant milestone in our journey toward consolidating our democracy.
“The election will be the first under new Electoral Act with its unique amendments that include deployment of new technologies during voting process.
“It will also be thrown in new political leaderships at national level and in more than 15 states.
Ojukwu said that the election came at a time when Nigeria continued to face huge human rights challenges ranging from insecurity, weak law enforcement, poverty, and inequalities.
