Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), has asked African youths to obey laws and
regulations during elections.
Yakubu spoke on Tuesday while delivering a lecture on
‘Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa’ to students of international
affairs and diplomacy, and those of peace and conflict studies, at the Civil
Service University in The Gambia.
He urged youths to actively engage in the electoral process
with a positive mindset, shun electoral malpractices, and uphold democratic
values.
The INEC chairman said young people play an indispensable
role in the electoral process, adding that elections in Africa cannot succeed
without youth participation.
“Young people form the backbone of election duty staff,” he
said.
He said election management bodies (EMBs) cannot conduct
polls without recruiting youths as temporary or ad hoc staff.
He added that youths also make up the largest segment of the
voting population.
“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.
“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.”
Yakubu cautioned youths against misrepresenting facts or
feeding political stakeholders with false information which, he warned, could
trigger violence and undermine public trust in the process.
“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,” he said.
He encouraged young people not to lose faith in democracy or
withdraw from civic engagement.
“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,” he added.
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