Yiaga Africa

How can democracy thrive when the integrity of elections is questioned? In September, we were at the forefront of key democratic activities, working tirelessly to safeguard electoral transparency and deepen grassroots democracy in Nigeria. It was a month filled with advocacy, action, and reflection as we continue the fight for a transparent and inclusive democratic system. You can read all about it here: bit.ly/3ZOuWZF

Happy Independence Day, #Botswana. May the years ahead be better than the ones past, and achieve your desired freedom and prosperity.

After an eventful week filled with last-minute updates from the election scene, we know there’s plenty to catch up on. As always, we’ve curated the key events drawing the most attention in the electoral space. From Yiaga Africa assessment of the Edo Governorship Election and its failure to pass the integrity test, to Former President @GEJ weighing in on how technology alone can't fix our electoral issues, plus updates on a bill for independent candidates. There's also more on LG elections happening across the country. This week’s edition of The Ballot is packed! Read the full issue here. https://bit.ly/3N1v8Ny #TheBallot #ElectoralReforms

Congratulations to the people of #GuineaBissau on their independence anniversary. We wish you continued peace, freedom and prosperity. Parabéns ao povo da #Guiné-Bissau pela celebração do seu aniversário de independência. Desejamos-vos paz, liberdade e prosperidade.

Happy Independence Anniversary to #Mali. May this day renew your commitment to freedom, peace and prosperity. Joyeux anniversaire de l'indépendance du #Mali. Que ce jour renouvelle votre engagement en faveur de la liberté, de la paix et de la prospérité.

With the Edo 2024 Governorship Election just hours away, things are heating up! In Edo, INEC is standing firm against PDP’s calls to remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner and over 6,000 security personnel have been deployed, but concerns about violence and vote-buying are still in the air. Yiaga Africa’s pre-election assessment says the Edo election will be a true test of electoral integrity—can election stakeholders rise to the challenge? 🤔 Don’t miss all the updates in this week’s edition of The Ballot as we dive deep into the high-stakes Edo election, Kano’s political shakeup, and further plans for local government autonomy from The Senate. Stay in the know! You can read The Ballot here: bit.ly/3Bcus5m #TheBallot #EdoDecides2024 #Election #Democracy

Yesterday, Yiaga Africa marked the #InternationalDayOfDemocracy with an evening of art, performances & conversation on democracy and the role of creative arts in making democracy deliver for us. The #Art4Democracy Exhibition was supported by the Open Society Foundation. To the amazing creatives who participated in our #Art4Democracy Exhibition, the world is your oyster, and you are its pearl. Thank you for what you have given to us in this exhibition. We look forward to enjoying more of your art & how it would shape our society.

Empower governance with AI that amplifies transparency, fosters accountability, and ensures every citizen's voice is heard #HappyInternationalDayOfDemocracy

"In areas like Uselu market in Egor Local Government Area, both APC and PDP reportedly handed out cash ranging from N1,000 to N2,000 to market women." "Yiaga Africa had recorded several cases of kidnappings and violent incidents, primarily in areas like Egor, Esan South East and Etsako East." “If not addressed, these activities could severely undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the election" https://lnkd.in/dna7S5VU #WatchingTheVote #EdoDecides2024

With just about a week to the Edo State governorship election, our latest pre-election observation report looks at how the election will occur amidst a security crisis, political and economic confidence, and how stakeholders' actions will shape it. We brought media and CSO partners to present and discuss the report in Benin City. The security situation in Edo State remains unstable, as documented in Yiaga Africa’s Pre-Election Observation Report covering the period from July 23 to August 31, 2024. The report highlights a surge in kidnappings and cult-related violence, much of which goes unreported in mainstream media. This atmosphere of fear and unrest poses a significant threat to citizens and opens the door for political manipulation of the volatile security landscape. You can read the report Here - https://lnkd.in/dQMhs6KA In this highly charged political climate, the refusal of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to sign the accord has further heightened tensions. Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, pointed out that the groundwork for unrest had already been laid before the accord was signed, citing widespread hate speech, violent rhetoric, and attacks on political opponents, the alarming rise in cult activities and arms proliferation, which have further destabilised the state (more details in the report). While the PDP may have valid reasons for withholding their signature, Itodo believes that signing the accord, even while voicing their demands, would have been a more constructive move.