General Francis Behanzin, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, has called for reduction of the cost of elections to make democracy affordable, more participatory and inclusive. To this end, he urged EMBs to redouble their efforts, adding that the regional depot for electoral materials being contemplated by ECOWAS, could facilitate pouring of resources, eliminate duplication of costs and ultimately make elections less expensive. Commissioner Behanzin also briefed the ECONEC Mission led by the chair of Sierra Leone’s Electoral Commission Mohamed N’fah-Alie Conteh on ECOWAS’ support to member states organising elections, including through the deployment of Long- and Short-term observation missions. “Nigeria is a big country, and whatever happens here affects the rest of Africa and West Africa in particular,” Conteh said. Both Commissioners expressed the hope that the Nigerian elections on Saturday, February 16, and March 2, would be peaceful and with integrity to strengthen democracy and good governance in the country and the ECOWAS region at large.

Source: Daily Observer February 18, 2019 02:15 UTC