National Telescope national telescope newspaper
At the wake of the commencement of campaigns for the 2023 general elections, The Centre for Sustained Dialogue, CSD has called on political parties to ensure that their campaigns are issue-based.
This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s Executive Director, Eng. Hakeem Omotosho and made available to newsmen on Friday.
CSD encouraged politicians to exercise caution while making statements that are capable of endangering Nigeria’s democracy.
In his words, Omotosho said, “I plead with all political parties involved to be mindful of their messages and concentrate on issue-based campaigns that is void of violence and hate speech.
“In the framework of the electoral process, we understand that political campaigns is a crucial tool in any democracy.
“This is partly because it gives political actors a stage and opportunity to connect with voters while communicating their ideologies and policy stances.
“Political players have a vibrant forum to communicate with voters because of campaigns.
“As a result, campaigns improve democracy by making elected officials answerable to voters.
“Important guidelines on how political campaigns should be run are found in the Electoral Act of 2022. A political slogan or campaign should not use derogatory language that could offend religious, ethnic, tribal, or sectional sentiments, according to Section 92.
“Intemperate, slanderous, or base statements, insinuations, or innuendoes that are intended to or are likely to elicit violent reactions or emotions are expressly forbidden under Subsection 2.”
Omotosho then pleaded with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold and strictly apply the Act’s and its regulations’ and guidelines’ provisions.
(Affairs TV News)
