On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission urged the establishment of voter registration offices in the host communities and camps for internally displaced people.
The registration centers, according to the commission, would make it easier for IDPs to exercise their right to vote.
Prof. Kunle Ajayi, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Outreach and Partnership Committee, announced this in Abuja at the IDP coordinators’ training on the rules and framework for voting by IDPs in 2022.
The program, which was run by the All-rights Foundation Africa and sponsored by the European Union’s Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria, was designed to increase the participation of internally displaced people in elections.
The INEC revised the electoral system for voters in IDP camps in September 2022.
According to INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, this was caused by the passage of the 2022 Electoral Act and the use of new technologies.
Ajayi, who was represented by Dorathy Bello, a committee member of the Framework for Voting by the IDPs, said that the situation of the IDPs is a serious worry because they frequently experience extreme hardship and everyday struggles.
The National Commissioner noted that based on the obstacles faced by the IDPs, “We must collectively work towards creating an inclusive and enabling environment that encourages and empowers the IDPs to actively participate in the democratic process.
“As a starting point, we advocate the establishment of accessible and well-organised voter registration centre in the IDP camps and host communities.
“This will allow the IDPs to easily register as voters and exercise their right to vote without undue burdens.
“Additionally, as an inclusive Commission, implementation of voter education programmes tailored to the specific needs of IDPs, aiming to inform them about their rights, the electoral process, and the significance of their participation is very crucial.”
Ajayi added that the commission with the collaboration of relevant stakeholders can mobilize resources and expertise to ensure that IDPs are adequately represented and that their interests are safeguarded in the political sphere.
At the event, the Chief Executive Officer, TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, said INEC policies are not known to people, hence the need to train the IDP coordinators.
“An IDP has automatically become a marginalised individual.
“INEC has a lot of policies and frameworks that many people are not even aware of. One of such policies is that of the electoral framework for voters in IDP camps.
“This is our first step of enlightening not only the coordinators but the general public about the role of INEC, and IDPs in the electoral process,” Epelle said.
