Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called on African youths to take a leading role in fostering peaceful and credible elections across the continent. Speaking to students of International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Peace and Conflict Studies at the Civil Service University in The Gambia, Yakubu stressed the critical importance of youth engagement in the electoral process.
Yakubu emphasized that elections in Africa cannot succeed without the active involvement of young people, who constitute a significant portion of both election duty staff and the voting population. He highlighted their essential roles in voter registration, election logistics, and as political party agents.
The INEC Chairman urged youths to uphold democratic values, shun electoral malpractices, and act with sincerity, patriotism, and responsibility. He specifically cautioned against spreading misinformation, particularly during election periods, and emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.
Yakubu also encouraged young people to remain engaged in civic duties and to have faith in democracy as the system they must nurture, defend, and improve. His message aimed to inspire a new generation of African leaders to contribute positively to the democratic process and ensure that every vote counts through responsible and ethical participation.
