The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to continue to support its implementation of the country’s Democratic Empowerment (SDE) Phase 1 plan.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the request yesterday when a delegation of UNDP, led by its resident representative, Mohammed Yahya, visited INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Yakubu, who stressed the relevance of credible electoral process to the economic stability of a nation, said the SDE would ensure effective participation of citizens during elections.

The SDE is a strategic plan by INEC aimed at enlightening and mobilising stakeholders, including women groups, youths, traditional and religious leaders to participate in elections.

Responding, Yahya said the visit was important, as the UNDP recognises the roles played by electoral commissions in deepening democracy.

He commended INEC for successfully delivering the 2019 general elections, promising that UNDP would continue to support the commission in achieving credible polls.
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