By Akombo Aondona, Abuja
In its determination to ensure that all eligible Nigerians vote in the 2023 General Elections, the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) on Tuesday unveiled a proposed framework for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to vote in the elections.
INEC unveiled the guideline to stakeholders in a bid to obtain their inputs to enable the commission enrich and finalise the document before the 2023 elections, according to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while addressing participants at a stakeholders’ validation meeting for the 2022 revised framework and regulations for IDPs, held at the Ladi kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.
Prof. Yakubu said the idea was to ensure that no eligible Nigerian was left out of the electoral process on account of displacement, disability or other circumstances that may limit citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
His words: “What is presented to stakeholders today has taken into consideration several developments since the last review and validation exercise in 2018. First, is the increased number of IDPs as a result of widespread insecurity nationwide. Secondly, to incorporate not only the displaced citizens arising from armed conflicts but also natural emergencies such as flooding. Thirdly, to align the framework with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, specifically Section 24(1) which empowers the Commission to ensure that, as far as practicable, no Nigerian is disenfranchised on account of displacement by emergency situations. Finally, to align the framework with the national policy on internally displaced persons 2021.
“On this note, I would like to appreciate our development partners for the continuous encouragement and support as well as all stakeholders for your presence. We look forward to your contributions to enable us enrich and finalise this important document ahead of the forthcoming 2023 General Election.”
Giving an overview of the proposed document, chairman, TCR – IDPVR, Dr. Baba Bila, said the legal framework for IDP voting derives its powers from both the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended) and the Electoral Acts, 2022.
Bila said the revised framework and regulations provided a template for IDPs voting operations not just in conflicts areas but also in population displacement that may have been caused by non – conflicts factors.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Aishatu Jibril Dukku commended INEC over its resolve to serve as an independent, effective electoral management body committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
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