The National Chairman of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria, Mamman Eri, has urged State Independent Electoral Commissions to restore public confidence in the electoral process to boost voter participation.
Eri said this could be achieved through innovation, transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law.
He spoke on Wednesday at the opening of the 14th FOSIECON National Delegates Conference in Katsina State.
The conference, themed ‘Myth of Voter Apathy in Nigeria’s Elections’, had in attendance electoral managers, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Eri described the conference as a veritable platform for electoral administrators to review emerging challenges confronting elections in Nigeria, share experiences and develop workable solutions for improved electoral administration, particularly at the grassroots.
He said increasing citizens’ participation in elections required sustained efforts to strengthen electoral institutions, improve public trust and ensure that every election reflects the genuine choice of the people.
The FOSIECON chairman urged members of SIECs to uphold professionalism, accountability and continuous innovation, adding that resolutions from the conference should translate into practical reforms to strengthen democratic governance.
He commended the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, for hosting the conference and for his commitment to democratic development.
In his remarks, Radda, who was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mannir Sullubawa, challenged participants to identify practical measures to address voter apathy and encourage greater citizens’ participation in elections.
Radda said democracy thrives only when institutions are transparent, accountable and responsive to the aspirations of the people, noting that SIECs play a critical role in ensuring credible local government elections.
He also commended the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting peaceful local government elections without post-election litigation.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings