By Ene Oshaba,
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) said gender mainstreaming was adequate in the Osun state election process including the deployment of INEC officials, security personnel and turnout of female voters.
This was contained in a statement signed by its Country Vice President/National President Amina Agbaje (Mrs), of FIDA situation room situated in Oshogbo and Abuja to monitor the participation of women and persons with disabilities at the Osun election.
According to the statement, FIDA Nigeria observed that persons with disabilities, the elderly/Aged, pregnant women and Nursing mothers were prioritized in the voting process by INEC officials.
The statement reads in part, “With regards participation of female electoral officials, we observed that a larger percentage of the polling units visited , that is about 76% had more than 2 female electoral officials, 12% had less than 2 officials , while 12% were above 2 officials.
“For instance, at polling unit 007, Ward 3, Boluwaduro LGA, polling unit 012, ward 2, Ife North LGA, accreditation commenced between 8.20- 8.30am, Similarly at polling unit 7, ward 6, Iwo LGA, accreditation commenced as early as 8am, however at polling unit 23, ward 5 , Oshogbo LGA, voters were accredited at 9.45am.
“FIDA Nigeria observed a large turnout of female voters in about 88% of the polling units observed. Our Observers reported that only 12% of the polling units visited had low voters. For instance at Polling unit 1, Ward 1 , Ife South LGA , about 175 women were observed exercising their franchise, similarly at polling 1, ikija ward 2, Ife South LGA, about 204 women were observed undergoing the accreditation process.
“Similarly at polling unit 003, ward 1, Olorunda LGA, we observed a large turnout of female voters. At polling 005, ward 7, Ifedayo LGA a good number of female voters were observed exercising their franchise , Similarly at Unit 004, Ward 10, Ife Central LGA, more female voters were observed exercising their franchise.
“Furthermore at Polling unit 7, ward 10, Odo-Otin LGA, more than a hundred women were observed exercising their franchise. Our observers reported that 88% of the covering polling units observed low turnout of persons living with disabilities across polling units visited.2.3. Priority Voting for Vulnerable and Marginalized Persons.
The statement noted that Persons living with disabilities were prioritized in at least 56% of the polling units, adding that only 32% of the polling units provided special kits for persons living with disabilities however 68% of the polling units didn’t.
“However 80% of the polling units prioritized pregnant women, the elderly and nursing mothers. For instance at polling unit 004, ward 10, Ife Central LGA, nursing mothers, pregnant women and persons with disabilities were prioritized thus exercising their franchise speedily.
“At polling unit 003, ward 1, Olorunda LGA, pregnant women and Elderly were prioritized by Electoral Officials. Furthermore at Polling unit 23, Ward 5, Oshogbo LGA, pregnant women & the Elderly were prioritized accordingly.
“However 80% of the polling units prioritized pregnant women, the elderly and nursing mothers. For instance at polling unit 004, ward 10, Ife Central LGA, nursing mothers, pregnant women and persons with disabilities were prioritized thus exercising their franchise speedily.
“At polling unit 003, ward 1, Olorunda LGA, pregnant women and Elderly were prioritized by Electoral Officials. Furthermore at Polling unit 23, Ward 5, Oshogbo LGA, pregnant women & the Elderly were prioritized accordingly.
“However at polling unit 12, Ward 2, Ife North LGA, only persons with disabilities were prioritized while at Polling unit 02, Ward 4 , Oshogbo LGA, we observed that there was no preference for women, the aged and persons with disabilities,” the statement disclosed.
