Arrangements have been concluded for hitch-free Local Government elections on Saturday in Kwara State.
Chairman, Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), Alhaji Mohammed Baba- Okanla dropped this hint today featuring at the Media Parliament organised by the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, the State Capital.
He noted that only five political parties namely APC, PDP, APM, SDP and Accord Party will be participating in the elections.
” I am pleased to announce that the commission has carefully crafted a comprehensive time table for the forthcoming local government elections. This time table has been designed to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the electoral process.
” The local government elections are scheduled to take place on 21st September, 2024. Polling units will open by 8.00am and voting will be concluded by 3.00pm , after which sorting, counting and collation of results will begin immediately . Announcement of results will be collated at the designated collation centres and announced after counting is concluded,” KWASIEC chairman said.
Alhaji Baba- Okanla said his Commission is fully prepared for the council poll having worked diligently to ensure that every aspect of the electoral process is well planned and organised
“From the training of electoral staff to the distribution of elections materials, every measure is being put in place to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.”
He pointed out that that his Commission has been collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to ensure the success of the Council polls.
” The issue of the voter register is one that we have taken very seriously. A credible voter register is the foundation of any free and fair election, as it ensures that only eligible citizens participate in the electoral process,” he said.
Alhaji Baba- Okanla said the commission has organised training programme for its staff and the ad- hoc staff that would supervise the elections across the 193 wards of the state.
He said they have also held consultations with the security agencies in the state to ensure maximum security of lives and property during the poll.
Earlier, the chairman of the State Council of the NUJ, Abdul-lateef Ahmed, had expressed delight that the state has thought it wise to put in place democratically elected governments at the local government levels.
Represented by the Vice Chairman, Hajia Binta Mora, the NUJ Chairman urged the electoral body to conduct a free, fair and credible elections.
