2023 poll: WFD, NILDS urges mass voters turnout, openness in votes count

*launches political party watch project on inclusiveness 

Ahead of the 2023 poll, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in partnership with the Nigerian Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has enjoined the electorates to turn out enmasse on Election Day.

Country Director WFD-Nigeria, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola in a statement in Abuja remarked that it behooves stakeholders of the electoral process to ensure that the 2023 poll is conducted in an open and transperent manner.

Adebowale Olorunmola called on political parties to be more open and inclusive in their practices adding that the participation of citizens in the ongoing electoral process is fundamental to advancing the democratic process.

Olorunmola disclosed the launch of a political party Watch project to promote inclusion in the political party systems of Nigerian polity adding that WFD’s engagement in Nigeria is aimed at supporting sustainable democratic growth through inclusive citizen participation and strengthened institutions capable of accountable governance.

Shedding light on the initiative, he noted: “Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Political Party Watch project will research and appraise the concept of inclusion of political parties within the electoral cycle.

“Findings from the research will be used to engage political parties to strengthen their internal party systems, accountability, democratic and inclusive practices after the 2023 elections.

“Additionally, the findings will be shared with organisations and institutions with mandates and interests to improve the democratic process in Nigeria.”

WFD is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in UK. Established in 1992, WFD provides expertise in developing parliaments, political party structures and civil society organisations – the key institutions that make up a functioning democracy.