The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) – Nigeria Diplomatic Mission – has issued a formal appeal to all institutional and civic stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.

Under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, the Mission calls for the strict observance of transparency, accountability and full respect for human rights throughout the entire electoral cycle.

Democratic Participation as a Fundamental Right

IHRC reiterates that democratic participation constitutes a fundamental human right. The rights to vote, to stand for election, to assemble peacefully and to express political preferences without coercion are integral components of constitutional governance and international human rights standards.

These guarantees must be protected before, during and after the electoral process.

Institutional and Civic Responsibilities

IHRC outlines the following expectations:

1. Electoral Authorities
Electoral institutions are expected to ensure a free, fair, transparent and inclusive process conducted in accordance with constitutional and electoral law. Administrative neutrality and procedural integrity are essential to maintaining public confidence.

2. Security Agencies
Security services are urged to maintain professionalism, operational impartiality and strict adherence to human rights obligations while carrying out their mandate. The protection of voters and candidates must be conducted without intimidation or excessive force.

3. Political Actors and Supporters
Political stakeholders are called upon to reject violence, hate speech, voter intimidation and the dissemination of misinformation. Responsible political conduct is indispensable to electoral credibility.

4. Citizens
Voters are encouraged to exercise their civic rights peacefully and responsibly, contributing to a stable and participatory democratic environment.

Elections as a Democratic Consolidation Mechanism

IHRC stresses that elections must not serve as catalysts for instability. Instead, they should reinforce democratic governance, strengthen institutional trust and advance inclusive development within the Federal Capital Territory.

Through its Special Monitoring Mission, IHRC will continue to observe developments within its mandate area and promote dialogue, peaceful engagement and compliance with constitutional and electoral provisions.

The forthcoming elections in Abuja represent an opportunity to demonstrate institutional maturity, electoral credibility and peaceful coexistence within the framework of the Nigeria constitutional order.

Signed
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah
Ambassador-at-Large
Head of Diplomatic Mission
International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), Nigeria

The post FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTIONS: IHRC CALLS FOR A PEACEFUL, RIGHTS-BASED AND CREDIBLE ELECTORAL PROCESS first appeared on ihrc.news.