The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that declining voter participation in Anambra State threatens the region’s democracy. Prof. Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, told a press conference in Abuja on Thursday that voter apathy poses a greater challenge to the state’s democratic process than external violence. He appealed to eligible voters to take part in the upcoming governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
Prof. Amupitan highlighted a worrying trend of decreasing turnout, citing historical data to underscore the importance of citizen engagement. In the 2013 governorship election, voter turnout was 25.5 percent; it fell to 20.10 percent in 2017 and dropped further to just 10.27 percent in 2021. This steady decline has raised concerns about the health of democracy in Anambra State, prompting INEC to stress the need for citizens to exercise their right to vote.
As the state prepares for the governorship election that will determine its next leader, INEC is urging all eligible voters to come out and cast their ballots, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in the outcome. Voter participation is essential for the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process, and the commission’s appeal serves as a reminder of the importance of exercising democratic rights to shape the state’s future.
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