|
Listen to article
|
Genevieve Osakwe, the chair of Anambra State‘s electoral commission, has confirmed that the upcoming local government election will indeed take place on September 28, just as planned. This confirmation comes as a reassurance to the public, following speculation about possible delays.
The chairperson appealed to political parties to launch their campaigns, assuring them that the commission would deliver an electoral process that is free from interference, fair to all contestants, and credible in its outcome.
Mrs. Osakwe made this declaration during a stakeholders’ gathering in Awka on Thursday, where she addressed concerns and outlined the commission’s plans for a successful election.
The stakeholders’ meeting in Awka on Thursday had a modest turnout, with only the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Action Alliance (AA) parties in attendance, as Mrs. Osakwe outlined the commission’s vision for a successful election.
Mrs. Osakwe emphasized that, following a comprehensive security review, the electoral body was committed to holding elections in all 326 electoral wards, with results collated, counted, and announced from each ward, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive electoral process.
On the allegation of pre-written election results, the Chairman said the Commission’s duty was to conduct elections and urged political parties to ensure that they field candidates and ensure the electorate voted.
She said: “This election must go on and will be in accordance with the law, we are going to hold election in every area of the state and announce results from those places. We are aware of issues in some areas and we have considered them.
“Boycott will not be for the benefit of Anambra political parties should go and canvass for votes because this exercise will be free, fair and credible
“We are not aware of any suit, I am a lawyer, so I cannot respond to what we are not aware of, she said.
“At this point, permit me to conclude this keynote address, as it is time for our actions to speak louder than words, and formally release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the conduct of the 2024 Local Government Council Elections.
Read also: Soludo To Conduct Anambra’s First LG Elections Since 2013
The chairperson formally unveiled the election timetable and schedule of activities, providing a clear and detailed framework for the conduct of the elections, and ensuring all stakeholders were informed and prepared for the upcoming electoral process.
Responding to the announcement, Mr. Nobert Okoli, Chairman of the Action Alliance party, acknowledged Anambra’s long wait for Local Government Elections, spanning over a decade, but expressed reservations about the suddenness and haste of the schedule.
Mr. Okoli expressed surprise and curiosity about the noticeably low turnout, wondering why only two political parties, including his own, were represented at the stakeholders’ meeting.
He quipped, “What’s worth doing is worth doing well,” and questioned the noticeable absence of other political parties, disclosing that his own attendance was prompted by a personal invitation, and asking what had prevented others from receiving similar invitations.
On behalf of his community, Mr. Ezewuzie advocated for the rights of people with disabilities to be protected, ensuring they have equal access to participate in the electoral process, receive necessary information, and engage in political party activities.
