On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) advocated the establishment of voter registration centers at Internally Displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities. The commission believes that such registration centers would enable IDPs to exercise their voting rights without facing undue burdens.
Prof. Kunle Ajayi, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee at INEC, made this proposal during a training session for IDP coordinators on the 2022 regulations and framework for voting by IDPs in Abuja.
The training program, organized by the All-Rights, Ajayi, further emphasized that by working together with relevant stakeholders, the commission can mobilize resources and expertise to ensure the proper representation and safeguarding of the interests of IDPs in the political sphere.
During the event, Jake Epelle, the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, highlighted that INEC policies are not widely known to the public, underscoring the necessity of training IDP coordinators to enhance awareness and understanding. Foundation Africa, funded by the European Union’s Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria, focused on enhancing IDPs’ participation in the electoral process.
In September 2022, INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu noted that INEC had revised the electoral framework for voters in IDP camps in light of the 2022 Electoral Act and the implementation of new technologies.
Dorathy Bello, a committee member of the Framework for Voting by the IDPs, represented Prof. Kunle Ajayi during the event. She emphasized that the plight of IDPs is a matter of serious concern, as they endure significant hardships and confront numerous challenges on a daily basis.
“As a starting point, we advocate the establishment of accessible and well-organized voter registration centers in the IDP camps and host communities.
“This will allow the IDPs to easily register as voters and exercise their right to vote without undue burdens.
“Additionally, as an inclusive Commission, implementation of voter education programs tailored to the specific needs of IDPs, aiming to inform them about their rights, the electoral process, and the significance of their participation, is very crucial.”
Ajayi further emphasized that by working together with relevant stakeholders, the commission can mobilize resources and expertise to ensure the proper representation and safeguarding of the interests of IDPs in the political sphere.
During the event, Jake Epelle, the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, highlighted that INEC policies are not widely known to the public, underscoring the necessity of training IDP coordinators to enhance awareness and understanding.
“An IDP has automatically become a marginalized individual.
“INEC has a lot of policies and frameworks that many people are not even aware of. One of such policies is that of the electoral framework for voters in IDP camps.
“This is our first step of enlightening not only the coordinators but the general public about the role of INEC, and IDPs in the electoral process,” Epelle said.
