The International Republican Institute (IRI) has called on tasked political parties to develop manifestos and policies that it will enhance citizens participation and engagement in political processes.
The call was made in Bauchi on Wednesday at a workshop organised by the IRI in conjunction with United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The workshop was organised and would be held for political parties in the state with the theme: “ Citizens Engagement and Communication Development”,
In his presentationSpeaking during the workshop held for APC leaders, the IRI Programme Officer, Sunday Alao said that the workshop was aimed at improving political party communication; strengthening political party engagement; and developing political party policies.
He added that it also want to help political parties develop state policies as a social contract between the parties and citizens which will serve as an oversight of government officials.
"Our intention is to see how we can enhance the capacities of political parties to be more representative and responsive to citizens priorities and concern in regards to water, health, education and security.
"We feel the more effective way that citizens can be more responsive is to improve the communication strategy within political parties and citizens and this can be achieved when political parties are able to host town hall meetings and conduct researches," he said.
The Program officer said that political parties will be provided with an avenue to know the concerns of citizens and the impact of governance on their lives.
He said that the mechanism will help influence the processes for the political parties to develop policies that will respond to issues raised by citizens.
He disclosed that the workshop would also be conducted for other political parties in Bauchi State in subsequent days.
