Toward credible, peaceful LG polls in Plateau
By Polycarp Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
With the recent verdict of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Nigerians, particularly rural dwellers, have developed deep interest in who takes charge of the affairs of their councils.
Plateau has slated Saturday, Oct. 9, to conduct an election that will produce a democratic structure across the 17 LGAs of the state.
As the day draws closer, there have been rising concerns among residents of the state over the credibility of the State’s Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), to conduct a free and fair local government election.
Over the years, local government elections in Plateau were largely characterised by irregularities and electoral malpractices, particularly the interference by the ruling political party in the state.
In the past, those appointed to manage the affairs of PLASIEC were mere tools used in achieving the government’s whims and caprices; as such, local government elections in the past were marred by violence and other electoral malpractices.
For instance, one of the major crises that claimed lives and properties worth billions of Naira in Plateau was the outcome of the 2008 local government polls.
Political analysts and other critical election stakeholders have described the two recent local government polls in Plateau as the worst in the history of the state.
Residents further described the elections as a ”sham”, particularly as candidates of the then ruling party were practically forced on the people.
To correct such narratives, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, while constituting the management of PLASIEC, promised to ensure free, fair and credible polls.
The governor, who also promised non-interference with the process, called on his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to work assiduously ahead of the polls, promising that the elections would be free and fair.
Mutfwang, who insisted that the votes of the people must count, said that the management team of PLASIEC were carefully selected based on their track records and experience in public service.
”This is very important and significant because we are experiencing a new dawn in the annals of PLASIEC.
”The last two local government elections in the state were the most shameful, disgraceful, and one that gave us a bad name.
”This is why we carefully selected this calibre of persons, particularly the chairman, who has been in the business of conducting elections for years,”
The governor, who charged PLASIEC to uphold the tenets of democracy through free and fair elections, therefore, said his administration would not interfere in the electoral process.
”I am a firm believer in the efficacy and effectiveness of the local government administration and so, we will allow the people to elect those who they want to lead them.
”This is why since we came on board, we have not misused local government funds, because we believe in having a credible leadership at the local levels.
”I want to assure Plateau people that we will raise the bar of credible and reputable local government elections; we will ensure that true democracy takes place at the local levels.
”You are coming at a time when the commission has a trust deficit, I therefore, charge you to conduct an election that will meet global best practice,” the governor pledged.
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state, on its part, tasked the commission to conduct a credible and peaceful poll.
Mr Gad Peter, leader of the coalition, who commended the state government for its commitment towards conducting the election, charged PLASIEC to conduct an election that would unite the state.
”We all promote good governance and democracy in Plateau using our various organisations.
”We have collectively and individually invested in the peace of the state; we don’t want anything that will distort our current peace in Plateau.
”We are all witnesses to the outcome of the 2008 local government election; we don’t want a repeat of that ugly episode.
”This is why we are appealing to you to ensure that the election is peaceful; it should be one that will unite Plateau people the most,” Gad said.
The coalition, who promised to support the commission towards a credible poll, called on it to be fair, just and make the election an all-inclusive one.
Mr Plangji Cishak, Chairman of PLASIEC, promised to conduct a credible, free and fair poll, one that would be a model for other states.
Cishak, who noted that PLASIEC under his watch would be a complete departure from the past, promised to conduct an election that would be applauded by Plateau residents.
The chairman, who promised an all-inclusive election, said that the commission had constituted a security committee with him and the Commissioner of Police in the state as co-chairmen.
”We have replicated the same at the local government levels; this is to ensure a watertight security before, during and after the poll.
”This election is not going to be business as usual, votes will count and actual winners will be declared.
”Our integrity and that of the governor will be at stake if we allow a repeat of the past; this is a new PLASIEC under a new political dispensation,” he said.
On other preparations, Cishak said that arrangements had been made for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), to vote seamlessly, adding that special attention would be given to pregnant women, nursing mothers and the aged.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting recently organised by PLASIEC, Cishak allayed the fears of the opposition parties over rumours of possibly rigging their candidates out.
The meeting had security agencies, CSOs, media, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), candidates of various political parties, among others in attendance.
The chairman also told the stakeholders that the commission was adequately prepared to ensure an all-inclusive process.
”This initiative is essential for us to gather insights and inputs from the people, helping us to understand their expectations and concerns.
“I firmly believe that grassroots approach is foundational in building a robust democratic framework that reflects the true voices of our people.
“This election will also mark a significant milestone in the history of PLASIEC, as we are introducing electronic components for the first time.
‘‘This includes state-of-the-art Voter Verification Software, developed exclusively by our ICT team.
“This innovation is designed to ensure that only eligible voters can cast their votes, a crucial step towards making sure that the voices of Plateau people are heard and respected,” Cishak said.
To ensure the election is conducted with minimal glitches, the commission had conducted a mock exercise in six polling units across the state.
The chairman said that the mock election was to particularly ascertain the efficacy of the voter verification software developed for the election, among other issues.
He noted that the software was designed to ensure ”one man, one vote”,
Cishak, who said that some international observers had been accredited to monitor the election, added that trainings were conducted for staff of the commission, journalists and members of the CSOs aimed at ensuring a credible process.
As the election gets closer and going by the preparation made by PLASIEC, Plateau residents are optimistic of having an election that would be free, fair, credible and peaceful; an election that’s a complete departure from the previous ones.(NANfeatures)
**If used, please credit the author and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
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