How to ensure greater elective representation for women -INEC

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has suggested that affirmative action supported by clear legal provision will be the surest guarantee to ensure greater elective representation for women.

Yakubu gave the suggestion in his remarks during an advocacy visit by Women’s Participation and Representation in Elective Positions and Party Leadership held in Abuja, yesterday.

He however warned that to achieve the target would require the amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

According to him; “For elective representation, the commission believes that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalised groups in the legislative assemblies is affirmative action supported by clear legal provision as was the case in many jurisdictions.

“This calls for the amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022. Accordingly, the ongoing review of the Constitution and the Electoral Act offers an opportunity to engage with our lawmakers for appropriate legislative action.

“Happily, the matter is back on the legislative agenda. At our retreat early this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, we supported the amendment that will ensure greater representation of women in elective positions,” he promised.

Speaking further, the electoral umpire boss said: “With regard to the electoral process, we have a gender policy which is periodically revised and updated. We have also established a Department of Gender and Inclusivity for the promotion of greater access for marginalised and under-represented groups in the electoral process.

“Similarly, in our consultative meetings with political parties, we have consistently urged them to ensure greater representation for under-represented groups in party leadership. Many of them have responded positively, although much work needs to be done.

“We welcome your consistent advocacy for women’s participation and representation in political party leadership and elective representation in Nigeria. You should continue to count on the commission’s support at all times,” he noted.