In a remarkable display of democratic progress, Anambra State has just concluded what can only be described as the most peaceful, free and transparent local government election in its history. The election, which took place on Saturday, September twenty-eight 2024, across all twenty-one Local Government Areas of the state, has set a new benchmark for electoral conduct in Nigeria.
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, deserves commendation for orchestrating this feat, successfully breaking an eleven-year jinx. He made the promise, and has now fulfilled it. His commitment to transparent governance and democratic principles has been evident throughout the electoral process, from preparation to execution.
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) played a crucial role in the success of this election. Unlike previous elections marred by logistical challenges, this time, voting commenced promptly across the state. The smooth process, peaceful conduct of voters, and swift collation of results are proofs of ANSIEC’s meticulous planning and execution.
Leading by example, Governor Soludo cast his vote at his Ofuiyi Square polling unit zero-zero-two, Umueze-Isuofia, in Aguata Local Government Area. His
The governor’s assessment of the election as “seamless” and “an example of what an election should be” is not playing to the gallery. Reports from across the state corroborate this view, with widespread accounts of orderly proceedings and transparent vote counting. The emphasis on “one man, one vote” and the insistence on open, transparent vote counting are significant steps towards building trust in the electoral process.
It is worth noting that this election comes after an eleven-year hiatus in local government elections in Anambra State. This long gap had created a democratic deficit at the grassroots level, which Governor Soludo’s administration has now addressed. By reviving local elections, the state government has rekindled citizen participation in grassroots governance.
The true winner of this election is democracy itself. The peaceful conduct of voters, the transparent process, and the prompt collation of results are victories for all Anambra citizens, regardless of party affiliations.
In a way, this election undeniably shows that with political will and proper planning, credible elections are possible at all levels of government. As we celebrate this landmark electoral feat, it is crucial to maintain the momentum. The challenge now is to ensure that the elected local government officials will serve their constituents diligently and that this level of electoral integrity becomes the norm rather than the exception.
CHRISTIAN ABURIME
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