'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Youth-led Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija), spearheaded by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), has welcomed the National Assembly back from its annual recess with a fervent call for immediate action on constitutional and electoral reforms in Nigeria. As youth representatives and multi-stakeholder allies converge to address critical priorities, they emphasize that the essence of democracy lies in conducting free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the people.
This call was made today at a press conference in Abuja by the coalition, in a statement signed by Bukola Idowu
Executive Director, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and delivered by Femi Adebayo, Head of Research and Strategy, KDI on behalf of the other partners.
A Call for Reform
The YERP-Naija campaign has gained momentum in 2024, focusing on amplifying the voices of young Nigerians in the national dialogue surrounding electoral reforms. The initiative, supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), has involved extensive outreach across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. A nationwide survey revealed that 57% of the 4,324 respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral process during the 2023 elections, while an overwhelming 94% called for urgent constitutional and legal reforms.
In their advocacy journey, KDI organized 12 youth forums, engaging over 400 young people, including representatives from various political and cultural organizations. The forums highlighted the need for reforms that promote electoral integrity and inclusivity, leading to the development of 35 prioritized proposals submitted to the National Assembly's committees on constitutional review and electoral matters.
Key Recommendations
The youth advocacy has crystallized into five critical electoral reform priorities, including:
Establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission: This independent body would prosecute electoral offenders, upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Post-Election Petition Resolutions: All electoral disputes should be resolved before the inauguration of elected officials to ensure stability and fairness.
Timely Transmission of Election Results: Implementing electronic transmission of results to enhance transparency and accessibility for citizens.
Reform of INEC Leadership Selection: Creating an independent committee to nominate the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to mitigate political influence.
Continuous Voter Registration: Interpreting the term "continuous" in the Electoral Act 2022 to facilitate year-round voter registration.
Recent Engagements and Challenges
Recent initiatives, such as the Southwest Zonal Legislative Interactive Session in Ibadan, have seen youth representatives engage directly with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters. This dialogue has provided a platform for youth voices to be heard, yet YERP-Naija acknowledges that further action is needed to transition from discussion to implementation. The recent integrity issues surrounding the off-cycle gubernatorial election in Edo State have underscored the urgency of these reforms.
Speaking on behalf of the donor partner, Bem Aga, Senior Program Officer, National Democratic Institute said: "We at the NDI are very proud of the very important work that Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), our national partner is doing at the YERP-Naija with all six regional partners that we have. Free, fair and credible elections are the cornerstone of any democracy and indeed the route to a free, fair and credible election remains far reaching electoral reforms. To fix challenges that might have been observed over time and this exactly is what this campaign seeks to do.
"As Femi has said, they have reached over five thousand Nigerian youths across the country to collate their views and put recommendations forward for electoral reforms. It is our hope and believe that the national assembly and all other relevant decision makers will give due consideration to these reforms that Nigerian youths have put forward to reform the electoral process and take much needed actions to ensure that elections in this country truly reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people.
A Call to Action for Legislators
As the National Assembly resumes its legislative duties, KDI urges its members to prioritize the youth’s five key electoral reform recommendations. They emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to timelines to reinforce public trust in the electoral process.
Key Calls to Action
Prioritize the Recommendations: The National Assembly must act swiftly on the amendments proposed by youth advocates.
Maintain Transparency: Committees should keep the public informed and ensure an accountable reform process.
Adhere to Timelines: Timely passage of reforms is crucial as upcoming elections approach.
The Role of Media and Collective Efforts
KDI and its partners are committed to driving this electoral reform movement through various advocacy efforts, including extensive media campaigns and grassroots engagement. The organization calls on the media to amplify the voices of young Nigerians and hold lawmakers accountable for their commitments.
The YERP-Naija campaign and its coalition of youth-focused NGOs stand firm in their dedication to achieving a more inclusive and transparent electoral process in Nigeria. With the support of civil society and the media, they believe that the National Assembly will take decisive actions to pass essential reforms, ensuring a democratic future that all Nigerians can be proud of.
Members of the Youth-led Electoral Reform consortium are: North West, JESZ Development Foundation; North Central and National Partner, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI); South West, The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD); South South, Whillz Trust Foundation (WTF); South East, Catch Them Young Initiative (CATYCOI); and North East, Child Protection and Peer Learning Initiative (CPPLI).
The Youth-led Electoral Reform Advocacy Consortium (YERP-Naija) includes organizations across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, working collaboratively to elevate the voices of youth in electoral reform discussions. As the nation looks towards the future, the continued advocacy and commitment of these young leaders will be crucial in shaping a fairer electoral landscape.