For the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo state scheduled for November 16, a youth-led initiative known as YERP-Naija, which is part of the New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD), has made a significant appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The group is calling for INEC to make election results available online at every stage of the process.
The Ondo state coordinator for YERP-Naija, speaking during a recent visit to the Ondo state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at their Press Centre in Akure, emphasized the importance of this measure. According to the coordinator, posting election results online can help mitigate common electoral issues such as delays and misinformation.
This transparency, the coordinator argues, will enhance the integrity of the election process, making it easier to ensure that the elections are free and fair. By allowing the public to track the results in real-time, the system can help build trust among voters and reduce the potential for disputes and allegations of fraud.
In addition to the push for online result transmission, the coordinator stressed the need for a peaceful and orderly election. They highlighted the role of the media in ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that the election process is conducted smoothly. The group also called on young people to avoid unethical practices such as vote trading, which they believe undermine the democratic process and the overall integrity of elections.
The initiative, known as the Youth-led Electoral Reform (YER) Southwest advocacy project, is part of a larger effort by NIGAWD to address gaps identified during the 2023 elections. This project is aimed at promoting electoral reforms by engaging multiple stakeholders at both national and subnational levels. The goal is to foster a more transparent and accountable electoral system across the Southwest region of Nigeria.
As part of their advocacy, YERP-Naija is working to encourage active participation from the youth in the upcoming Ondo state election. They are calling on journalists to help amplify their recommendations by using media platforms to raise awareness and garner support for the proposed reforms.
The group believes that by sharing these recommendations with national and state assembly members, they can influence the final review and implementation of the electoral reforms.
Leke Adegbite, the chairman of the Ondo NUJ, expressed support for the youth-led initiative. He praised the group for their commitment to improving the electoral process and acknowledged the important role of the media in facilitating a smooth election.
Adegbite assured the team of the media’s support in ensuring that the gubernatorial election in Ondo state is conducted fairly and transparently.
Through these efforts, YERP-Naija and NIGAWD aim to create a more effective and trustworthy electoral system, ultimately strengthening democracy and encouraging greater youth engagement in the political process.
