The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has urged the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Election Commission (EC) to intensify support for peace of the upcoming election, as civic and voter education activities observed were low.

According to CODEO, which has deployed a total of 65 Long-Term Observers (LTOs) across the country since September 1, 2020, the level of civic/voter education activities observed generally were low across the various constituencies.

As a result, the Coalition entreats CSOs and all election related stakeholders to intensify their election support activities across the country, particularly in the area of violence monitoring and peace promotion, and educating the citizenry on their civic rights, duties and responsibilities to compliment the work of the NCCE and the EC.

It further condemns all reported acts of violence, which took place during the period of observation, adding “The Coalition reiterates its call on the security agencies to take appropriate action against all perpetrators of violence. CODEO reminds the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the need to share updates with the public on the progress of all cases of election-related violence as failure to ensure people are punished for their crimes will further erode public confidence and encourage impunity.”

CODEO additionally urged the EC and NCCE not to limit their civic/voter education to the traditional media, particularly radio, but also take advantage of community meeting platforms, street announcement and other forms/modes of educating the public.

It suggested that these should, however, be done with the necessary arrangements for ensuring the observation ofCOVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The Coalition cautions all stakeholders to be mindful of all the necessary COVID-19 health and safety protocols to help minimize the potential spread of the virus.

By Akutu Dede Adimer