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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has announced his backing for the direct election of members into the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The move, as Tinubu pointed out, aims to empower citizens of member states by allowing them to have a direct say in selecting their representatives.
As Nigeria, the host country, pledges continued support to the ECOWAS parliament, the push for direct elections signals a step towards strengthening democratic practices and fostering transparency in representation.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 97 members into the 6th ECOWAS parliament at the Abuja International Conference Centre, Tinubu, drawing from his experience as a former legislator, expressed his anticipation in reviewing the proposal.
Tinubu, who is the chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, highlighted the importance of aligning with democratic principles and the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance.
The ECOWAS parliament, established under the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, comprises 115 seats, with each member state guaranteed a minimum of five seats. The remaining seats are distributed based on population, with only 97 members sworn in, representing various member states.
Notably, Tinubu’s call for direct elections echoes a commitment to enhancing the democratic process within the region and ensuring greater citizen participation in governance.
Affirming the important role of the ECOWAS parliament in the bloc’s journey towards a future of peace and prosperity for all, he said success cannot be achieved without the loyal contribution and hard work of the community’s legislative agency.
