INEC Backs Call For Increased Women Representation In Political Leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed full support for the advocacy for more participation and representation of more women in political party leadership and elective positions in the country.

INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this when an advocacy group, Women’s Collective under the auspices of ‘The Electoral Hub’ paid him a courtesy call at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said in its consultative meetings with political parties, INEC has consistently urged them to ensure greater representation for under-represented groups in party leadership, noting that many parties have responded positively, although much work needs to be done.

Yakubu noted that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalised groups in the legislative assemblies was through the affirmative action supported by clear legal provision as was the case in many jurisdictions.

The INEC boss said this required amendment of provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

Prof Yakubu said the ongoing review of the Constitution and the Electoral Act offers an opportunity to engage with lawmakers for appropriate legislative action.

“Happily, the matter is back on the legislative agenda. At our retreat early this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, we supported the amendment that will ensure greater representation of women in elective positions.

“We welcome your consistent advocacy for women’s participation and representation in political party leadership and elective representation in Nigeria. You should continue to count on the commission’s support at all times,” he said.

Yakubu maintained that INEC is an equal opportunities organisation which believed in inclusivity both in the workplace and in the discharge of its extensive responsibilities as an election management body.

“Today, 12 out of 22 Departments and Directorates of the Commission are headed by women. This means that 55% of the Directors at the Headquarters here in Abuja are women. Across the States of the Federation, many of our substantive Administrative Secretaries, who are also Directors, are women.

“With regard to the electoral process, we have a gender policy which is periodically revised and updated. We have also established a Department of Gender and Inclusivity for the promotion of greater access for marginalised and under-represented groups in the electoral process,” he added.

For her part, leader of the Women’s Collective, Nkoyo Toyo called on INEC and other critical stakeholders to support the advocacy for women inclusion as well as participation of more women in politics.

She also appealed to the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the female reserved seats bill.