By Thompson Yamput
The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has deployed 100 observers to monitor Saturday’s Governorship Elections in Kogi and Bayelsa.
Brenda Anugwom, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gender and Election Watch (GEW) Room
of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), said this in a statement in Lokoja on Friday.
Anugwom, said that NWTF GEW would be receiveing feedback from the observers through an electronic gender-based checklist.
According to her, GEW will watch and harvest critical data on the participation of women and other vulnerable groups in the off circle election to carry out its analysis based on the Electoral Act (2022) as amended.
“The analysis of this feedback forms the basis for NWTF GEW statements on the conduct of the election on Nov. 11, especially around the participation of women and other vulnerable groups.
“Our GEW room will closely observe the election day performance of voters, candidates, and electoral officials from a gender perspective.
“We will also pay attention to the adherence to the operational guidelines for the elections and assess how all elements of the election process impact all stakeholders from a gender perspective.
“Furthermore, the efficiency and effectiveness of technology deployed for the electoral process by INEC as well as the operations of all critical stakeholders in the states will closely be assessed.
“We will not hesitate to call out any political party indulging in electoral malpractice during the election, ” she said
The CEO saluted the preparedness of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adding that priority voting should be accorded to pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly and persons with disabilities in line with the Amended Electoral Act 2022.
She said that the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) such as Police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies must arrest perpetrators of electoral crimes and ensure safety of lives and property during and after the election.
“Political parties and candidates should stick to their commitment to the Peace Accords for a peaceful and credible election,” she said.
She, however, urged the citizens of the two states to be patriotic enough to safeguard the peace and prevent election violence, especially those perpetrated against women during the election. NAN
