Anambra Decides : Take action against low voters’ turnout — CDD-West Africa tells parties, politicians
…Deploys 178 observers
By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has tasked stakeholders in the electoral process including politicians, parties and the media to take proactive steps towards addressing the problem of low voter turnout during elections.
It noted voter apathy, institutional fragility, and prohibitive campaign costs as major challenge of the November 8 Anambra State governorship poll.
Chairman of CDD’s Election Analysis Centre, Professor Victor Adetula, stated this during a press conference held in Awka the Anambra state capital.
Prof. Adetula who was flanked renowned Electoral Analyst, Dr. Ernest Aniche, also listed Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Orumba South local government areas as major flashpoints in the state.
According to him, within these local governments, the communities of Lilu, Azia, and Amorka were highlighted as particularly fragile areas requiring close monitoring.
Prof. Adetula said that the weak oversight of local vigilante groups and the persistent culture of violence in some areas contribute significantly to voter apathy and low turnout.
He urged security agencies to act with professionalism, impartiality, and restraint in order to safeguard voters and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
The CDD-West Africa group also condemned the imposition of a ₦50 million signage fee by the state government on political parties before the commencement of campaigns, describing it as a deterrent to political participation and a barrier for smaller parties.
They noted the poor representation of women candidates in the upcoming election, emphasizing the need for greater inclusion and gender balance in the state’s political landscape.
The CDD-West Africa’s Director, Dr. Dauda Garuba, and Chairman, Prof. Victor Adetula, both harped that the Anambra governorship election transcends a mere sub-national exercise. They urged all political actors to prioritize national interest, safeguard democratic integrity, and ensure the conduct of a peaceful, credible, and inclusive election.
The body added that it had trained and accredited 178 election observers to be deployed across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State. The observers will provide real-time analysis and reports on the election’s conduct, with the goal of enhancing transparency and accountability.
