The major opposition party in Kwara state, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has commended the Kwara state Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC), for demonstrating determination to conduct free, fair and credible local government elections billed to hold on 21st September, 2024, urging the electoral umpire to continue to do what is legal and humanly possible to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election manifest in the state.
The PDP State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Babatunde Mohammed during a stakeholders engagement organized by KWSIEC on Tuesday, said “I must commend KWSIEC. Your body language so far has shown your commitment and determination to do the needful.”
“I appeal to KWSIEC to do what is legal and humanly possible to ensure we have a free, fair, and transparent election in the state. I am calling on KWSIEC to provide a level playing field to all the political parties before, during, and after the election”, he added.
In his own remark, the Kwara state All Progressives Congress (APC) acting Chairman in the state, Alh. AbdullahI Samari advised the commission to hold town hall meetings with the electorate, especially in the grassroots areas of the state.
Speaking earlier, the Commission’s Chairman, Mohammed Baba Okanla said “KWSIEC will ensure that these elections are free, fair, credible, acceptable, and inclusive.
“We have put in place robust measures to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, from voter registration to the final declaration of results. We are committed to transparency and accountability at every step of the process.
“As we prepare for the upholding of local government elections, it is vital to recognise their importance in our democratic system.
“Local government elections are the foundation of our democratic structure, providing citizens with the power to elect leaders who will directly affect their everyday lives.”
Okanla also noted that the results of the elections will not be transmitted electronically.
Stakeholders at the gathering, cutting across political parties, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), security and media representatives made suggestions on how to improve voters’ participation, strategies to prevent electoral fraud, identify and mitigate potential risk, achieve free, fair and credible election and enhanced stakeholders collaboration.
