JONAS EZIEKE, Abuja
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has said that participation, inclusion and a transparent electoral process are some of the key elements to ensure a thriving and enduring democratic governance and regional partnership in Nigeria and Africa.
He spoke at the opening of a 2-day Stakeholders Engagement on Regional Partnership for Democracy RPD with the theme: ‘ Strengthening Democratic Governance Across West Africa Through Inclusive Regional Cooperation’ at the United Nations Building Abuja, on Tuesday.
He said that Nigeria recognizes the role of democracy in West Africa, adding that even in the face of challenges of democracy in Nigeria and entire West Africa, we should not despair.
“Democratic governance in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region must be participatory, inclusive and ensure transparent electoral process in order to ensure that its dividend gets to the people”.
He also said that participation, effective representation, transparent electoral process, transparency and accountability are all essential tenets of inclusive democracy.
On Regional Partnership for Democracy RPD, he said that only through consistency, resilience, and cooperation among member states of regional bodies can we enhance democracy.
Earlier in a remark, the United Nations Resident Representative to Nigeria Ms Elsie Atafuah said that an inclusive and participatory democracy is a sine qua non for development.
She noted that democratic governance is needed to realign national and regional initiatives and to deepen partnerships in democracy.
The Regional partnership for Democracy is spearheaded by the Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme UNDP for democracy revival in West Africa with the aim to collaborate with governments, civil society organizations, development partners and diplomatic actors.
Its major objectives include promoting a Pan-African brand of democracy, enhancing effective governance, promoting democratic values, fostering democratic governance and cooperation and ensuring equitable dividend of democracy.
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