To observe inclusive participation of women during Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states governorship election, the Gender and Election Watch, (GEW) Room, an initiative of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) in collaboration with ElectHER has put in place to gather information and carry out analysis on women’s participation in the elections in comparison to men.
In a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer For Gender and Election Watch (GEW) Room of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Brenda Anugwom disclosed that The GEW will commence its observations of the 2023 Off-Cycle Governorship Elections slated for Saturday, 11 November 2023.
According to Anugwom, the organizations has deployed 100 accredited and citizens observers across Bayelsa and Kogi state for the November 11 off-cycle governorship election.
She said, “NWTF GEW receives feedback from its deployed accredited observers through the use of an electronic gender-based checklist. GEW will watch and harvest critical data on the participation of women and other vulnerable groups in this election and will 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 11 November 2023, especially around the participation of women and other vulnerable groups.
“Additionally, NWTF’s GEW Room will closely observe the election day performance of voters, candidates, and electoral officials from a gender perspective.
“NWTF’s GEW 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.”
Speaking further the CEO said, NWTF’s GEW will closely watch 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. We will not hesitate to call out any political party indulging in electoral malpractice.
She commended the preparedness of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Saying 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.
“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 every perpetrator 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.
“We urge the citizens of these states to be patriotic enough to safeguard the peace and prevent election violence, especially those perpetrated against women during the electioneering process,” Anugwom added.
