KIMPACT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH LED ELECTORAL REFORMS IN NIGERIA.
The significance of the principle of ‘one person, one vote’ in safeguarding the credibility of an election cannot be overstated.
KIMPACT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE(KDI), organized a two-day National Multi- Stakeholders Forum, themed Youth to Lead Electoral Reform Project, in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and other partners, to engage diverse range of young people towards identifying and advocating for their electoral priorities.
The Executive Director of KDI, Bukola Idowu, while addressing the participants, explained that following the backdrop of challenges, gains and lessons from the 2023 general election, many emotions were evoked.
Suggestions such as unbundling of INEC, due to the humongous task of managing elections, is yet to meet the confidence of the Nigerian people, political parties irresponsible campaigns and conversations around the judicial component of our election process were highlighted.
Speaking to journalists afterwards, Bukola Idowu said… “After 2023 elections, public opinion was divided. While some claim it was the best election ever had till date, others differ for very sad reasons. But one thing everybody agrees with, is the need for a reform. That’s why we are gathering stakeholders, particularly the youth forums, to reflect first, and have progressive conversations about the electoral process.
“But basically what is key for us(KDI) as advocates for good governance, is the timing to have such conversation. We cannot wait until 2026 to begin it. So, we need to start now to identify we need to improve the process and, recommend how to pursue the agreed priorities. Remember, we have to know how to engage the National Assembly, the Executive, the Judiciary, and even the Election Management Body(INEC), on a better reform process.”
Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), is an independent nonprofit and nongovernmental organization that inspire citizen-led democratic development, anchored on the principles of participation, data driven advocacy, strong democratic institutions, gender equality, and public policies.
