CSO Tasks Political Parties on Women’s Participation

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Ahead of November 11th governorship election in Kogi State, a civil society group, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has urged political parties in the state to encourage women participation in political party activities by enabling them to emerge as party candidates for elections at all levels.

The CHRCR also tasked political parties to institutionalise anti-corruption policy in their constitutions and manifestoes to curb corrupt practice during next gubernatorial election.

This was contained in a communique that was issued at a one-day review of post 2023 elections in Kogi State.

It said: “The opposition political parties must perform their functions of holding the ruling party accountable.

“IPAC must reorganise and re-energise their activities towards performing its roles of holding its members accountable

“Internal party democracies should be strengthened by collaboration with Civil Society Organisations and other relevant stakeholders during primaries and other party activities

“Political parties and their candidates need to include anti-corruption transparency and accountability in their campaign activities and manifestos.

“Political parties and their candidates should ensure that they use their campaign activities to promote their manifestos to their members and the general public.

“Hate speech, inflammatory utterances and unguided statements by political party members, candidates and their supporters should be checked by security agencies and INEC and those found wanting should be prosecuted.

“Security agencies must be proactive in addressing perceived and real insecurity issues in Kogi State to ensure a free, fair and credible elections and encourage citizens’ participation and confidence.

“Participants appreciated the continuous engagement of CHRCR and political parties in the state, with the collaboration of CISLAC and support of MacArthur Foundation.”