Politics
THE Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State Branch has urged the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission to postpone Local Government Election to November to ensure adequate planning, sensitization of citizens, consultations with stakeholders, which include political parties, aspirants, candidates, Civil Society Organizations, religious and traditional leaders to ensure adequate participation of citizens in order to make the election credible and generally acceptable.
A statement by Vincent Ezekwueme and Chidi Mbah, Chairman and secretary said that the extension of the date for the election would enable INEC to display voters register, political parties to conduct primary elections and provide enough time for replacement of candidates, most importantly to restore people’s faith and confidence in our electoral system in view of people’s apathy, indifference, distrust and dissatisfaction over the outcome of 2023 presidential election.
Although the Local Government election is long overdue in Anambra State, but the electoral umpire should give political parties enough time to plan for active participation.
“It is no exaggeration but existential reality no successful election can be conducted within one month and two weeks.
“Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. Anambrarians expect nearly perfect election from ANSIEC, they should leave no stone unturned to ensure its actualization, hence the inevitable need to carry everyone along.
“He, who has failed to plan, has planned to fail, it is reality that September 28th election will be extremely unrealistic in view of inadequate time slated for the election. ANSIEC is working for citizens of the state so should listen to their complaints, cries and demands,” the CLO said.
It recalled that the only first and last Local Government election was conducted 10 years ago, hence the inexorable need to ensure free, fair, credible and generally acceptable election in the state.
A.I
Aug. 22, 2024
Tags: ANSIEC Chidi Mbah Civil Liberties Organization Vincent Ezekwueme
