Government Response to COVID-19 Should Form Part of Assessment for 2023 Elections – Sangosanya

By Our Reporter

Foremost human rights activist and development expert, Joseph Sangosanya has urged electorate to among other criteria, use the government response to the deadly coronavirus pandemic as part of the assessment to determine the party and candidate to vote for in the 2023 general elections.

Sangosanya made the call in a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

He said that part of the assessment of the United States President, Donald Trump reelection bid was how his government handled the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed more than 350, 000 American lives.

He stressed that with over 1,200 deaths in Nigeria, and the resurgence of the pandemic in what is termed second wave, “it is high time electorates let the leader’s be aware that how they handled it would determine their electoral victory in 2023.”

He said, “With the discovery of COVID-19 vaccine in London and USA, just recently, our government admitted that the COVID Vaccines can be made available to the general public as they have just started discussion with pharmacetical companies and friendly foreign countries. How we wish that our voting process could be flexible enough to be accessible to even those who may be sick, and to healthcare workers ministering to the sick, on 2023 general election day?

Sangosanya who is the Chair, Christian Foundation for Social Justice and Equity added that the Electoral Act should be amended to accommodate remote voting so as to allow vulnerable Nigerians participate in the electoral process.

“We wish amendment to the Electoral Act will accommodate that our elderly folks, and those suffering from conditions that make them vulnerable to succumb to COVID, or any other health issues can vote remotely, by mail or by early voting or by other means. We hope that the amendment and planning will be made the center of all plans for the 2023 elections and that issues on technology systems, revolve around this objective to achieve free and fair election.

“With a transperent and accountable electoral body, this objective can be achieved. This is a clarion call for INEC.” He concluded.