While executing Project 100 – Rural Election Drive, we got disturbing feedback from the town criers in some communities, which have been an albatross plaguing the political space since the return to democratic rule: election-related violence. In certain communities, town criers were chased, embarrassed and prevented from disseminating information in their communities. We realized that this had been an age-long challenge. In a survey, we also sampled the public’s opinion and realized that 67 percent of people believe the 2023 elections will be marred with violence.
Nigeria’s political history is replete with narratives and instances of electoral violence. In less than a year, violence has spiked across the country’s six (6) geopolitical zones. As the 2023 election cycle draws near, the prospects of a violent contest loom, especially in the face of a battle for survival between the major political parties. Electoral seasons more than anytime else, reveals the fragility and soft underbelly of the Nigerian state.
Over the years, we have seen how the bitter struggle for power by the elites has resulted in violence, loss of lives, and properties in different election cycles. Violence has been weaponized as a tool to neutralize opponents and destabilize voters and the opposition’s performance at the polls. The country’s dire economic situation, inequality, perceived injustice, and high youth unemployment have made it easy for people, especially youths, to become tools to cause mayhem for these politicians at the promise of a taste of power or a better life.
After over twenty-three years of uninterrupted democratic government in Nigeria, concern for the consolidation of democracy remains among Nigerians. And electoral violence is one of the significant factors affecting the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.
Understanding that elections are pivotal to the growth and development of the country and how election violence has deprived many people of a fair chance of exercising their franchise, South Saharan Social Development Organization, SSDO, is launching the #ZeroElectionViolence campaign.
The project aims to educate and sensitize the electorate on the need to shun all forms of electoral violence. We shall create and institutionalize a unique #ZeroElectionViolence hand symbol and popularize the hashtag – #ZeroElectionViolence across all social media platforms. We will end the campaign with a mega rally to have a well-rounded effect.
The overall objective of the project is to:
- Convey the #ZeroElectionViolence message through an innovative symbol and other creative channels.
- Secure the commitment of election stakeholders to non-violent campaigns and peaceful conduct of elections.
We shall collaborate with the traditional media to increase the campaign’s reach through radio jingles, influencers, and celebrity endorsements. We believe strongly that by the end of the project, there will be a sharp decline in youth participation in youth violence and increased awareness of the electorate on the need to embrace peaceful conduct.
