Governor Chukwuma Soludo, while inaugurating the board of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission , ANSIEC, reminded the team of its crucial role in ensuring smooth, peaceful, transparent and credible conduct of council polls in the state. after ten years since the last local government election was conducted in the state. The inauguration of the Board with Mrs Genevieve Osakwe, a Chief Magistrate as the chairman followed their confirmation by the state House of Assembly.
Governor Soludo mandated the Board to among other things organise, undertake, and supervise all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the local government councils in the state. as well as advice as it may be considered necessary the Independent National Electoral Commission the compilation of the register of voters In so far as that register is applicable to the local government of the state, prescribes guidelines to political parties, stipulates the rules and procedure for the conduct of Local Government elections in the State, conduct voter and civic education ,among other functions. As expected the Board hit the ground running by putting modalities in place and announcing that local government elections in the state will be held on Saturday, 28th September 2024.
The Chairman of ANSIEC and members immediately embarked on tour of local government areas and held interactive sessions with stakeholders during which the ANSIEC Chairman explained that the tour was to enlighten people at the grassroots on the processes and time table for the September 28th local government election and need for full participation and engagement in the exercise, calling on the electorate to insist on candidates with proven integrity to achieve the desired goals, assuring them of their safety before, during and after the election, stressing that the election would follow due process and in accordance with the Law.
The Commission equally released election timetable and schedule of activities which specified dates for the various stages of the exercise as well as commenced the recruitment of ad hoc staff for the polls.
According to the Commission the ad-hoc staff would serve in various capacities including local government returning officers, ward collation officers, supervisory presiding officers, presiding officers, poll clerks, and poll orderlies.
There is no doubt that Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it delivers free, fair and credible election to justify the confidence reposed in it by Ndi Anambra.
Local government council elections determine the leadership which directly influence community development, infrastructure, education, health services, and local economic policies. The would be elected chairmen and councillors in various local government councils will be the first line of governance, who will be interacting and responding directly to the needs of the various communities and residents of their areas.
Again, local government elections are strategic pillars for strengthening democratic structures as they serve as an important training ground for political education for both voters and for those aspiring to occupy political offices. It equally encourages civic engagement and discourse as well as inculcate a sense of ownership and responsibility among the people towards their community.
Local Government elections also provide opportunity for every community to have proper representation, presence and strong voice in administration of their affairs as well as make inputs to inclusive policies that cater to all segments of the community
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission understands that Local government council elections are vital component of the democratic process and has warned against acts that could threaten the process including godfatherism, thuggery and any form of political fraud.
Because local government election are a key determinant of how effectively communities are governed and how responsive this governance is to the needs of the people, ANSIEC is providing a level playing ground for all political parties to engage the electorate in free, fair and credible elections and is seeking cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders.
Written by EKENE ANIEMEKA
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