Techology’ll strengthen Nigeria’s democracy– Group
Technology
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, June 12, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, ‘Muryar Talaka’ (masses voice) Awareness Initiative’, has urged the government to intensify efforts in the application of technology and other innovations in the electoral system to strengthen the country’s democracy.
Its Secretary General, Bashir Dauda, stated this at the one-day roundtable in commemoration of the 2024 Democracy Day, on Wednesday in Katsina.
He said the roundtable had the theme: “Yes, Democracy”, adding that it was better than military government.
“Nigerian democracy is maturing, the last election conducted in Nigeria was a testimony to the growth of democracy.
“While free and fair elections are a pillar of democracy. What happened in Zamfara where we saw Dauda Lawal of PDP defeating an incumbent, Bello Matawalle, in Kano, we witnessed how NNPP, a new party, defeated the ruling APC.
“It was not by coincidence that APC lost to Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, and how the LP defeated APC in the FCT Abuja.
“All these are true indications that our democracy is growing, and that people’s votes count as a result of the technology application in the electoral system,” he said.
That, Dauda said, has contributed immensely in reducing many forms of election malpractice during elections.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, the State Public Complaints and Anti -Corruption Commission, Dr Jamilu Abdussalam, said democracy power was vested in the hands of the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
He said the key features of democracy included
popular sovereignty where the ultimate authority lies with the citizens who participate in the decision-making process through voting and other forms of political participation.
Abdussalam said other key features were political equality, rule of law, protection of minority rights and free and fair election, among others.
The State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Muntari Tsagem, commended the group for organizing the roundtable to commemorate the democracy day.
He said that NOA would join hands with the organisation to enlighten the public on the importance of peaceful elections.
Tsagem also urged such organisations to collaborate with the agency in discouraging the people on vote buying during elections.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ZI/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
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