Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, the APGA National Chairman, speaks on The Need for Inclusive Governance and Roles of Political Parties in a Diverse Society – Written by Nduka Anyanwu, SA- Media to The APGA National Chairman.
In today’s diverse societies, Nigeria as a case study, inclusive governance is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. The role of political parties in promoting inclusive governance cannot be overstated. As the backbone of democratic governance, political parties play a crucial role in representing the diverse interests of citizens and promoting social cohesion. Therefore, establishing stronger and more inclusive political processes leads to increased participation and political influence of citizens, more accountable governments and institutions, and stronger, more inclusive societies.
THE IMPERATIVE OF INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE
Inclusive governance is essential for building trust, promoting social justice, and ensuring that all citizens have a stake in the a decision-making process. It requires the active participation of diverse groups, including women, youth, minorities, and marginalized communities. Inclusive governance also demands that political parties prioritize the needs of all citizens, rather than just a select few.
THE ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN PROMOTING INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE
Political parties have a critical role to play in promoting inclusive governance. Here are some ways they can make a difference:
1. Representing diverse interests: Political parties should strive to represent the diverse interests of citizens, including women, youth, minorities, and marginalized communities.
2. Promoting social cohesion: Political parties can promote social cohesion by encouraging dialogue, tolerance, and understanding among different groups.
3. Prioritizing the needs of all citizens: Political parties should prioritize the needs of all citizens, rather than just a select few. This requires a commitment to inclusive governance and a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives.
4. Fostering a culture of transparency and accountability: Political parties should foster a culture of transparency and accountability, where citizens can hold leaders accountable for their actions.
CHALLENGES TO INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE
Despite the importance of inclusive governance, there are several challenges that stand in the way. These include:
1. Entrenched power dynamics: Entrenched power dynamics can make it difficult for marginalized groups to participate in the decision-making process.
2. Lack of representation: A lack of representation can make it difficult for diverse groups to have their interests represented.
3. Cultural and social barriers: Cultural and social barriers can make it difficult for marginalized groups to participate in the decision-making process.
CONCLUSION
Inclusive governance is essential for building trust, promoting social justice, and ensuring that all citizens have a stake in the decision-making process. Political parties have a critical role to play in promoting inclusive governance, representing diverse interests, promoting social cohesion, prioritizing the needs of all citizens, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. By working together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Recent years have witnessed significant changes in civil society, exemplified by innovative new actors, the disruptive role of technology, the challenge of ensuring sustainability in a time of financing constraints, and civil society’s attempts to reclaim legitimacy. The civic sphere is also being reenergized by dynamic and fluid new forms of grassroots organizations, which are creating new pockets of civil society.
