Imo LG Polls: ISIEC assures NCWS gender participation …As Undensi seeks more slots for women

As Imo State Local Government Election is fast approaching, the National Council for Women Societies, (NCWS) has paid a courtesy visit to Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) to enable them press for increased gender participation in politics.
Speaking during the visit the ISIEC Chairman, Barr. Julius Onyenucheya noted with regret the poor female representation in electoral positions and suggested that Women must eschew envy, jealousy, and embrace synergy and networking.
Barr. Onyenucheya urged Women who desire to succeed to be courageous, bold and ready to make the necessary sacrifices and encouraged the council to embark on extensive advocacy enlightenment programmes, pointing out that women must learn to support, sponsor, stand by each other and make them understand that power is never given but taken.
The ISIEC boss expressed the readiness of the commission to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the state and promised level playing ground, adding that ISIEC will not discriminate against women rather encouraged them to reach beyond 35% to press equality.
On the issue why the elections time table is not yet out, ISIEC Chairman stated that parties have not shown readiness for the process to commence and commended NCWS for the proactive stance and described the visit as timely while appealing to them to assist the commission on the area of voter education and orientation.
“I will encourage the women of Imo state to participate actively and to seek for elective offices. We are poised to give full support to all credible and courageous female candidates. The elections this time will not be business as usual”.
In her speech the president NCWS Imo State chapter, Lady Ijeoma Udensi said they were at ISIEC as part of their tour to relevant stakeholders and agencies that will advance their demands for inclusive election processes and outcomes in the state.
“Presenting our score cards from the last elections, women scored woefully 7% in the State House of Assembly and 0% in both Senate and House of Representatives elections”.
Lady Udensi stated that to help redress the anomaly, women requested for a level playing ground for women in the LG elections, parties must be made to carry at least 35% female candidates and ISIEC should support gender interest by moderating the processes and paying attention to ugly activities by the men to frustrate female politicians.
She noted that NCWS will soon commence sensitization of women through their expansive network for full and active participation.
During the visit NCWS was represented by members of the state expanded excos.