The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has challenged African youths to be at the forefront of promoting peaceful and credible elections across the continent.
Yakubu said youths must actively engage in the electoral process with a positive mindset, shunning electoral malpractices and upholding democratic values.
He gave the charge while delivering a lecture on ‘Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa’ to students of International Affairs and Diplomacy and Peace and Conflict Studies at the Civil Service University, Republic of The Gambia.
He highlighted the roles of young people in the electoral processes, stressing that elections in Africa cannot succeed without their participation.
While noting that young people form the backbone of election officials, Yakubu said Election Management Bodies (EMBs) lack the manpower to conduct elections without recruiting the youth as temporary or ad hoc staff members.
‘Before the elections, they are involved in voter registration, one of the most critical stages of the electoral cycle. It is a duty that must be undertaken with sincerity, patriotism, and a sense of responsibility’, he said.
The INEC boss urged the youth to be upright and law-abiding, saying: ‘If you want peaceful elections, play your part for God and country. Do the right thing. Obey the laws and regulations. That’s how we make every vote count’.
He also drew attention to the role of youths as political party agents, cautioning against misrepresenting facts or feeding political stakeholders with false information.
Yakubu warned against the spread of fake news, particularly during election periods.
He said: ‘don’t be among the fake news merchants. If it’s not verified, don’t share it. As citizen reporters, you have a duty to report elections truthfully and responsibly’.
‘This is the system we have chosen. It is ours to nurture, defend, and improve. Every young African must play a role in deepening and strengthening democratic institutions’.
