By John Dike, Osogbo
The Broad Focus for Community Development, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has called for increased and effective participation of women in politics.
It called for this during a courtesy visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, at his office in Osogbo.
Speaking during the visit, the body’s Team Lead, Mr. Enike Vincent, explained that the group’s core thematic focus includes youth sensitisation and advocacy for greater inclusion of women in political processes.
He expressed concern that contemporary political practice remains largely gender-insensitive, noting that in many political assemblies, even positions reserved for women leaders are sometimes occupied by men.
According to him, advocacy and sensitisation efforts targeted at women should go beyond encouraging voter turnout. He stressed the need to motivate women to contest elections, actively participate in political processes, and assume leadership positions in public office.
Responding on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Adelusi Victoria, appreciated the organisation for the visit and acknowledged the vital role Civil Society Organisations play in strengthening democratic participation.
She reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to inclusivity and continuous voter education, noting that the Commission has designated desk officers for Gender Matters and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to ensure broad participation in the electoral process.
However, the Commission encouraged the organisation to extend its advocacy efforts to political parties. Mrs. Adelusi explained that while INEC is responsible for conducting elections and ensuring compliance with electoral laws, the nomination and selection of candidates remain the responsibility of political parties.
She noted that meaningful progress in women’s political participation requires sustained engagement with party leadership and key stakeholders who determine candidacy.
Mrs. Adelusi further reiterated the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and voter education, particularly as the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) schedule rotation exercise is ongoing at designated Registration Areas (RAs) across the state.
She urged eligible citizens, especially women and youths, to take advantage of the exercise to register and update their voter information.
Highlights of the visit included the presentation of INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections, as well as group photographs
