Stakeholder Democracy Network - Green Light

Green Light - Local Democracy

National elections in Nigeria have been widely condemned by local and international observers. SDN's own independent report report - based on the testimonies of voters in more than 30 Local Goverment Areas - is here.

The Niger Delta is becoming an increasingly fragile and a hostile region. Unless this is addressed all attempts at reconciliation, peace building and sustainable development will continue to be undermined.

All parties with an interest in the Niger Delta have a responsibility to ensure that Local Government Elections (planned for between August to November 2007) provide a real opportunity for local communities to have some of their faith restored in their elected officials. If this does not happen it is increasingly likely that communities will take the law into their own hands. Support for militancy will rise.

Issue

Local Government Elections: Core Niger Delta
Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States continue to be the hot bed of insecurity, kidnapping and violence. If the local government elections follow the trend of the State and Federal elections then all with a stake in the future of the region will be increasingly at risk.

Why
All stakeholders must unite around this issue in order to lay the foundations for a substantive change in Niger Delta. Local governments are responsible for primary education, health care and local infrastructure development. They have the resources at their disposal to make substantive changes to the lives of their populations but are currently tied into a contracting patronage system which stems from how the elections are conducted. The people of the Niger Delta are ready to stand up for their democratic right, it is the responsibility of those in positions of power nationally and internationally to support them.

It is in the interest of local communities, local and international businesses, the new Nigerian administration and the international community to support free and fair local government elections and support civil society and community groups in order to make this happen.