the process of acquisition of power. Indeed, such is the degree of male dominance in politics that women who seriously seek public office to advance the public good are labelled ‘cultural deviants’ so as to undermine their moral standing. With only about 6 per cent of women holding elective offices in the federal legislature, Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female representation in parliament on the continent. However, while the problem remains severe at all levels, it is true that there have been more women appointed to higher offices in recent times, including key ministerial posts in the federal government. It is clear that the fight against the marginalisation of women in politics must go beyond the legal and institutional empowerment of women. Instead, cultural barriers such as patriarchy, religion and male chauvinism must be overcome if progress is to be made on this front. • 161. 68 Inadequate policies and a poor legal framework for protecting persons with disabilities (PWDs) constitute a major violation of the human rights of a significant part of the population of Nigeria. Although they constitute about 10 per cent of the country’s population, the rights of PWDs are inadequately protected and promoted at the federal and state levels. For them to be fully able to enjoy their fundamental human and constitutional rights, the national civil services must put in place enabling policies and laws, as well as monitoring institutions, to address this issue. To be effective and successful, nothing less than national legislation to protect the rights of PWDs would suffice. Clearly, Nigeria is making strides in democratic reforms that are addressing many of the issues and challenges discussed above. Tackling all the democratic governance challenges head-on would, however, be a long process. Nevertheless, there are concrete reforms that the current civilian administration could fast-track to deepen reform and democratic transition in Nigeria. The following are a few examples of reforms needing urgent attention: • Reform/review of the 1999 constitution, including revisiting aspects of the broadly worded immunity from prosecution for criminal acts that is enjoyed by those holding political office, and recognition and delineation of the role of traditional rulers. • Reform of the electoral system, including the strengthening of the independence and capacity of electoral management bodies. • Enactment of pending pieces of legislation such as the Freedom of Information Bill and amendments to the National Human Rights Commission Act to make the commission’s decisions enforceable. • Efforts to revamp the capacities and independence of the institutions for combating corruption and financial crimes. • Measures to combat corruption, including the weeding out of ‘ghost workers’ in state and government institutions and putting in place laws on the declaration of assets by public officials and political leaders. • Combating impunity, with possible reconsideration of immunity laws.