The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi State, Prof James Apam disclosed this on Friday at a town hall meeting with women groups and gender-focused CSOs for enhanced participation of women in elections.
Apam, while reaffirming the readiness of INEC towards conducting a free, fair, and credible election in the country, urged women to increase their interest in the political process of the country.
This, according to him, is imperative as women has continued to play a pivotal role in strengthening the democratic process of the country.
The REC, who was represented by the administrative secretary of the commission, Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq assured women of adequate security during the process.
The INEC boss however urged women to caution their wards at home, as the commission is set to prosecute any individual caught in electoral violence and fraud.
According to him, violence during election hinders political participation and good representation in governance.
He urged them to conscientize their children to rise against fraudulent politicians who intend to arm them for selfish interests in the forthcoming polls.
Apam however hinted that the commission has recorded 88.3 per cent collection of the Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, as 193,381 PVCs are yet to be collected from INEC as at Wednesday 6th February 2019.
While wishing participants a fruitful deliberation, Apam also took time to educate women on the seven guidelines of voting and the resolution of the body to give preference to pregnant and nursing women, including persons living with disabilities.
