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The European Union (EU) is set to launch a programme to promote transparent, inclusive and credible elections in Nigeria.
According to the EU, the programme which would be launched on Monday, September 12, reaffirms its support for Nigeria’s electoral process.
The programme tagged EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Phase II, is a €39m initiative funded under the EU’s Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument, over a five-year period.
“The overall objective of the EU-SDGN is to foster a functioning pluralistic, inclusive, participatory and representative democracy in Nigeria. Inclusive, participatory and transparent elections are a pre-requisite for a strong democracy.”
“The project will be anchored in the priorities identified by the Nigerian government. It also builds on the lessons learned from the implementation of phase I of the programme (2017-2022), and the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission made after the 2019 General Election as well as those of the EU Election Follow-up Mission to Nigeria,” the EU said.
Also speaking, the Ambassador of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS Ms. Samuela Isopi noted that “Ahead of the 2023 General Election, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment that allows the country to take important steps to consolidate democracy and strengthen the electoral process. The European Union continues to partner with Nigeria in the on-going reform process with a view to strengthening the capacity to conduct well-managed elections and with ample participation of all Nigerians. For this to happen, all must contribute, from the key institutions to the political parties and candidates, from media to civil society,”.
The programme will focus on improving the quality of electoral administration in Nigeria, strengthen capacities for legislative and judicial reform in compliance with democratic principles and standards and enhance pluralism, internal democracy and equality of opportunity in the political parties and the political party system.
It would also empower the media, including new media to promote fair and ethical coverage of the electoral process and combat hate speech and disinformation. Enhance participation of women, youth and other marginalized groups in the political process and empower civil society organisations and relevant agencies to demand greater transparency and accountability in the electoral and decision making process, and promote greater citizens’ participation.
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