The President of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Mrs Mandy Demechi-Asagba, has said that sustained voter education is key to combating electoral violence and voter intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections
Demechi-Asagba said this in an interview on Sunday in Lagos.
The President of AWLA said when citizens were well educated about the electoral process, its benefits and their duties as citizens they would shun election violence.
She identified electoral violence and voter intimidation as major factors discouraging citizens from participating in elections.
According to her, incidents of violence and attacks on voters recorded during previous elections have weakened public confidence in the democratic process.
“When those that engage in election violence are educated on the implications especially the enthronement of incompetent candidates who do not mean well for the country they would refrain from such destructive acts.
“Many citizens are afraid to participate in elections because of concerns about violence, intimidation and insecurity. No democracy can thrive when voters feel unsafe exercising their constitutional rights,” she said.
She noted that effective education, prosecution and punishment of electoral offenders would serve as a deterrent and reassure citizens that the rule of law would prevail during future elections.
“Individuals who sponsor or engage in electoral violence must be held accountable. When offenders are punished, it sends a clear message that election-related crimes will not be tolerated,” she added.
The AWLA president also called for reforms aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system and ensuring accountability for acts of violence, intimidation and voter suppression.
She urged government institutions, election management bodies and security agencies to collaborate in creating a safe environment where citizens could freely exercise their voting rights without fear.
“Security agencies have a critical role to play in protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials. Citizens should be able to cast their votes without fear of harassment or attacks,” she said.
Demechi-Asagba further emphasised the importance of transparency in the electoral process, saying technology and proper documentation could help improve public trust in elections.
“Transparency promotes confidence. When people trust the process, they are more willing to participate and accept election outcomes,” she said.
She encouraged voters, election observers and other stakeholders to report incidents of malpractice whenever they occurred.
“Documenting and reporting electoral offences can support investigations and contribute to reforms that strengthen future elections,” she added.
“Strengthening citizens’ confidence in the electoral process would not only increase voter turnout but also contribute to the growth and consolidation of democracy in the country and this can only be achieved through sustained voter education.
“Our democracy becomes stronger when citizens are well informed, they become more confident that their votes count and that the electoral process is free, fair and secure,” she said.