Ahead of the local government elections scheduled to hold across Kogi state on October 19, a civil society organization, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), has called for free, fair and acceptable polls.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Wednesday, CHRCR tasked Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) to ensure votes cast on Saturday count.
CHRCR commended Kogi SIEC for implementing its own timetable vigorously and diligently. However, it called on the commission to live up-to the expectation of the people by conducting free, fair and acceptable elections and make the outcoming known to the public as soon as the elections are concluded.
The CSO also called on the Governor Usman Ododo-led state government to provide and make available all necessary logistics and material supports ranging from electoral materials, vehicles, personnel and security to SIEC to do their job in an enduring and peaceful atmosphere.
“According to the time table released on the 16th July, 2024 by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and signed by the Chairman, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, elections to the 21 local government chairmen and 229 Counsellorship, shall hold on the 19th of October, 2024.
“We observed, the peaceful conduct of political parties during their campaign so far, and commend such efforts and urge that it be sustained as the campaign is getting to a close, according to the timetable released by SIEC,” the statement read.
CHRCR called on the security agencies to give their maximum support and to remain non-partisan, before, during and after the Local Government elections.
“We urge the media to uphold the tenant of professionalism and abide by the guidelines and the law guiding election results announcement, and avoid sensationalism in their reportage.
“We call on the citizens, political supporters, eligible voters to come out and participate by casting their vote to a candidate and political part of their choice. We also urge the citizens not to engage in fake news and misinformation before, during and after the election. We urge all observers that will be observing the elections to maintain the code of conduct on election observation.
“We urge all the candidates of various political parties to realized that elections is a contest with various participants, and at the end of the exercise, a winner will emerged or be declared. Those who are not satisfy with the outcome should approach the Election Tribunal as elections is not a do or die affairs.”
