The Independent National Electoral Commission says it has intensified its stakeholders’ engagement to improve the quality of elections ahead of future polls in Lagos.

INEC’s resident electoral commissioner, Ayobami Salami, said this on Wednesday at the maiden edition of the quarterly consultative meeting with CSOs in Lagos.

Mr Salami explained that engagement with civil societies would help strengthen the public’s confidence in the electoral process, which was crucial for sustaining the health of our democracy.

The commissioner noted that the CSOs were considered critical stakeholders whose contributions to grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation of the electorate helped create a robust synergy in the electoral process.

“It is in recognition of the notable contributions of the CSOs that the commission considers it necessary to replicate the quarterly engagement with them at the state level.

“This is with a view to finding common grounds to improve future elections in the country. It is my earnest hope that our engagements shall help to facilitate increased awareness and participation in the electoral process.

“It will also help to strengthen the confidence of the public in the electoral process and this is crucial for sustaining the health of our democracy,” he said.

Mr Salami, however, noted that this maiden edition of the meeting was to familiarise the CSOs in Lagos, as they set the tone for a continuous engagement.

Caroline Wokoh of Advancing Youth Voice Initiative affirmed that the CSOs were always prepared to collaborate with INEC to consolidate the hard-earned democracy the nation was enjoying.

Ms Wokoh advocated that the youth be allowed into the mainstream of the electoral process for greater nation-building. 

(NAN)