In a bid to promote inclusivity in the 2023 General Elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has presented a Voting Framework and Regulations for Internally Displaced Persons to stakeholders’ for their input.
Speaking at the unveiling of the revised framework, the Chairman, INEC , Mahmood Yakubu explained that the Regulations were born out of the need to
to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is left out of the electoral process on account of displacement, disability or other circumstances.
According to Yakubu, the revised policy which has been presented to stakeholders for review and validation ahead of the 2023 General Elections, has considered several developments since the last review and validation exercise in 2018.
Salient issues taken into consideration as stated by the Chief Electoral Umpire include the increased number of IDPs, to align the framework with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and to incorporate not only the displaced citizens arising from armed conflicts but also natural emergencies such as flooding.
“The idea is to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is left out of the electoral process on account of displacement, disability or other circumstances that may limit citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
“What is presented to stakeholders today has taken into consideration several developments since the last review and validation exercise in 2018.
“First, is the increased number of IDPs as a result of widespread insecurity nationwide. Secondly, to incorporate not only the displaced citizens arising from armed conflicts but also natural emergencies such as flooding. Thirdly, to align the framework with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, specifically Section 24(1) which empowers the Commission to ensure that, as far as practicable, no Nigerian is disenfranchised on account of displacement by emergency situations. Finally, to align the framework with the national policy on internally displaced persons 2021” the INEC Chairman said.
The draft policy seeks the validation and input of stakeholders to enrich the framework as well as the regulations for voting by IDPs.
