By Perpetua Onuegbu
An NGO, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), West Africa, on Friday called for a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun scheduled for Aug. 15.
CDD made the call in a pre-election assessment jointly signed by its Director, Dr Dauda Garuba and Chairman of its Election Analysis Centre (EAC), Prof. Victor Adetula, in Abuja.
The organisation, through its EAC, said the pre-election environment remained relatively calm, but required heightened attention.
It said the assessment followed engagements with electoral officials, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and community leaders.
The organisation expressed concern over reported killings and other security incidents in parts of the state ahead of the election.
It also noted reported tensions and perceived violations involving road transport workers’ unions, urging effective security coordination.
CDD said it could not establish a direct connection between the incidents and the election, but stressed the need for vigilance.
The organisation identified vote buying and voter inducement as other major risks, particularly amid prevailing economic hardship.
It urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and other relevant agencies to act firmly, impartially and lawfully against attempts to compromise voters.
CDD also expressed concern over misinformation and disinformation, including alleged fabricated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notices circulating on social media.
It urged voters, political actors and media organisations to verify election-related information before sharing or amplifying such content.
The organisation also called on INEC to promptly counter false information and ensure effective communication with voters throughout the electoral process.
CDD urged political parties, candidates and supporters to manage competition responsibly and reject intimidation, violence and other forms of electoral malpractice.
It called on INEC to ensure timely deployment of personnel and materials, while ensuring effective functioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Result Viewer.
The organisation urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial, while protecting voters, officials, journalists, observers and other election participants.
CDD said it had deployed trained observers across all 30 Local Government Areas, with its EAC monitoring developments throughout the electoral process.
It urged Osun residents to vote peacefully, reject vote buying and intimidation, saying the election’s credibility depended on all stakeholders respecting the people’s genuine choice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah