LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Nigeria’s electoral landscape has historically been plagued by violence, intimidation, and unrest, leading to loss of lives, property destruction, and undermining the democratic process.
To address this challenge, the concept of a peace pact was introduced, aiming to promote peaceful and credible elections.
What is a Peace Pact?
A peace pact is a voluntary agreement between political parties, their candidates, and stakeholders to shun violence, promote peaceful conduct, and uphold democratic principles before, during, and after elections. This accord fosters a commitment to non-violent campaigns, respect for opponents, and adherence to electoral laws.
The Need for a Peace Pact in Nigeria
Nigeria’s electoral history is replete with instances of violence, resulting in human suffering and undermining the legitimacy of the democratic process. Notable examples include the 2011 elections, where over 800 deaths were reported along with widespread destruction. The 2015 elections were shrouded in re-election tensions and post-election violence, and the 2019 elections saw reports of violence, intimidation, and electoral malpractices. The peace pact aims to prevent such occurrences, ensuring peaceful transitions and strengthening democratic institutions.
The peace pact was first introduced in Nigeria in 2015. The Abuja Peace Accord was facilitated by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, with support from international organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU), and National Democratic Institute (NDI).
Undoubtedly, the peace pact contributed significantly to Nigeria’s electoral progress when first introduced. During this period, Nigeria experienced reduced electoral violence, enhanced credible elections, as candidates committed to fair play, promoted national unity by emphasizing national interest over partisan concerns, and fostered unity and stability. An example is the 2015 elections, where despite initial fears, the accord helped maintain relative peace, with candidates committing to non-violent campaigns. The 2019 elections were also largely violence-free, although some incidents still occurred.
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The upcoming Edo 2024 elections have been surrounded by drama. The elections presented a unique challenge, with intense rivalry between major political parties. The peace pact signing ceremony was initially marred by controversy, as some candidates hesitated to commit to the accord. However, after intense negotiations and pressure from stakeholders, all major candidates eventually signed the pact.
At the center of the drama were Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his opponents, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other candidates from smaller parties.
Governor Obaseki, who had previously fallen out with his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, and had dissolved the state executive council, was keen to demonstrate his commitment to peaceful elections. On the other hand, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who had lost the previous election to Obaseki, was determined to give the incumbent a run for his money.
Let us not forget that even with the peace pact in place, Nigeria has still witnessed some level of violence during elections, which raises concerns about the effectiveness of this agreement.
While it’s possible that the peace pact may have mitigated the severity of violence, it’s clear that more needs to be done to achieve the desired level of peace and stability.
To address this issue, the government must take other proactive measures to prevent electoral violence. Improving security measures is crucial, including enhancing security operations to protect electoral commission offices and voting centers, and ensuring swift prosecution of perpetrators.
Moreover, addressing impunity is essential. The government should establish an election offenses commission to investigate and prosecute those involved in electoral violence. Politicians who sponsor or incite violence must be held accountable.
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Promoting dialogue between parties and supporting local peace initiatives can also help reduce tensions and prevent conflicts. Conducting extensive civic education programs is vital to enlighten citizens on the importance of peaceful elections and the consequences of violence.
Furthermore, leveraging international support, including diplomatic sanctions, can deter politicians from inciting violence. The government should also work to address the root causes of electoral violence, such as poverty, unemployment, and ethnic/religious tensions.