Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas has shown concerns over low number of women and youth fielded by political parties for elective positions during the coming elections.
Chambas noted this on Tuesday, in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital at the opening of the Joint UN- National Peace Committee (NPC) support to Kwara State towards the organization of peaceful 2019 elections.
Chambas said: “I have also observed that the numbers of women and youth candidates fielded by political parties is far lower than expected of Nigeria with a large number of women voters and enthusiastic youths eager and willing to take part in nation building as responsible leaders.
“All hands should be on deck to improve. This can and should be improved upon in future elections.”
He said the UN was happy to support the NPC to sensitize and promote confidence building amongst stakeholders involved in the electoral process in Nigeria.
“This event is one in a series of events at state level, jointly organized by the NPC and the UN and other partners.
“The goal is to mobilize stakeholders towards commitment to peaceful elections, build on existing initiatives, take measures to strengthen mutual confidence among stakeholders and political actors, and proactively and peacefully resolve any election-related disputes with utmost regard to the rule of law and due process,” Chambas said.
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