The Community Advocacy and Awareness Trust (CRAWN Trust) is calling for the absolute inclusion and representation of all marginalized groups.
CRAWN Trust launched a Charter of Inclusion urging various bodies to champion the political participation of women, youth and People with disabilities (PWDs).
“Presidential and gubernatorial aspirants should publicly commit to adhering to the two-thirds gender rule in their manifestos and the appointment of their cabinets and other respective positions for appointments,” the charter read.
Presidential and gubernatorial aspirants, it read, should also commit themselves to appointing women, youth, PWDs and marginalised communities to their cabinets and other appointive offices.
It has been a major concern for women’s participation since cases of violence against women aspirants have been on the rise since party nominations took place earlier this year,
CRAWN Trust called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate and prosecute cases of violence against women in Elections.
“The Inspector General of Police needs to investigate and prosecute cases of Sexual and Gender-based violence (SGBV) and other forms of violence during party nominations and campaigns"
"These include cyber-bullying, misinformation and disinformation that is injurious to one’s character,” they said.
“The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigates and recommends for prosecution police officers that are complicit in perpetrating electoral violence against women, youth and PWDs.” t
They further urged all Political parties to commit to a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, intimidation, and violence against women, youth and PWDs.
“Parties must hold party members and supporters accountable for violating the policy."
"They should also endeavour to host peaceful campaigns and political events in accessible venues and provide the required reasonable accommodations for PWDs.”
They asked that political parties expel members found culpable of perpetrating electoral violence and using discriminatory and abusive utterances against women, youth and PWDs.
