National Chairmen of some political
parties have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to
ensure that proper enlightenment campaign is carried out for voters ahead of
the Nov. 18 Anambra governorship election.
The chairmen, in separate interviews
with newsmen, said they also expect the commission to keep to its promise to
conduct a transparent, free, fair and credible election.
INEC had, at a stakeholders’ forum
in Awka, said that it had concluded preparations for the conduct of the
election and assured political parties and voters of a level playing field.
The National Chairman of Peoples
Redemption Party (PRP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, told newsmen that proper
enlightenment of voters ahead of elections was important in preventing voter
aparthy.
“I expect INEC to conduct a
peaceful, free and fair election; it should most importantly also, carry out an
informative campaign in the state ahead of the election.
“It is as well the responsibility of
politicians and the commission to do so. We do not want to experience voter
apathy this time,” Musa said.
The National Chairman of Progressive
Action Congress (PAC), Chief Charles Nwodo, said that the Anambra election was
a litmus test for the commission. He urged the commission to re-orientate the
staff on the use of electronic systems and ensure that card readers function
properly. Nwodo also advised INEC to carry out massive voter education on how
to vote and ensure people’s votes count.
The chairman urged INEC to
collaborate with security agencies, especially the police, to ensure that the
security of its personnel and the people of Anambra state are guaranteed.
Also speaking with NAN, the National Chairman
of National Solidarity Democratic Party (NSDP), Chief Udemba Chukwudolue, urged
INEC to conduct the election as an umpire would. “First of all, we expect INEC
as the electoral umpire to face the election squarely and resist any attempt or
form of being lured to rig or even participate.
“It should also ensure that
materials meant for the election arrive early and are effectively deployed to
various units so as to ease tension on people.
“Above all, there must be adequate
awareness campaign as this has been a major problem and reason why people do
not come out to vote,” Chukwudolue said.
However, the National Chairman of
African Liberation Party (ALP), Chief Osita Okereke, said for INEC to truly
conduct credible elections in Nigeria, there was the need for the commission to
have a totally new set of commissioners.
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