Election has been identified as one of the factors capable of promoting violence in the society if not well managed.
To prevent this, umpire in the electoral process need to ensure transparency, accountability and all inclusive in order to elect leaders with impeccable characters and bring about meaningful development.
These formed parts of the submissions of stakeholders at a one day consultative Dialogue organised by a Non Governmental Organization, Women’s Situation Room Nigeria, WSRN to promote peace before, during and after the Governorship election in Ekiti, held in Ado Ekiti.
One of the Stakeholders and Olori Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Tolu Oniyelu charged Youths and political leaders to see Ekiti as their only Jerusalem which should not be turned to a battle ground for political reasons.
In his own submission, Mr Benjamin Olajide tasked INEC and security Agents to provide a play ground for all participants in Ekiti State Governorship election, adding that persons with disabilities were ready to take active part in the electoral process.
Women’s Situation Room Nigeria, Programme Manager, Miss Jane Siesi said that objectives of the Stakeholders dialogue was to identify and understand election context, provide a platform for women to strategize, plan and respond to election related issues in a coordinated manner without exercising any fear
Miss Siesi said that Nigerians needed to stop the blame game over election malpractices, insecurity, violence and other factors affecting women during elections but needed to address some of the challenges in the interest of meaningful development.
She observed that only a peaceful elections could produce leaders of the people’s choice.
The one day stakeholders dialogue which centered on women active participation in the electoral process, was described as an eye opener and attended by women from across the state.
