A coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations under the banner of the Intercontinental Leadership Initiative, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission security agencies, and other key stakeholders to guarantee a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Edo State.
This call was made during a pre-election briefing held in Benin City on Friday, where the coalition emphasized the importance of a transparent electoral process in fostering good governance and reducing post-election litigations.
Addressing journalists at the event, the Chairman of the Coalition, Prince Stanford Bisong, noted that INEC, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, had taken necessary steps to ensure proper monitoring of the Edo State governorship election.
He stated that a successful and credible electoral process would help restore citizens’ trust in democracy and enable elected leaders to focus on delivering the much-needed dividends of democracy, alleviating the hunger and frustration among the populace.
“For the Edo State governorship election, the die is cast. There is no substitute for a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful poll. The success of this election will go a long way in restoring trust in the democratic process essential for enduring representative government. Flawed elections that produce incompetent leaders are the remote cause of economic stagnation, political upheavals, and socio-religious disharmony in the polity as the imposed leaders seek personal interests in place of national interest,” Prince Bisong remarked.
He further highlighted the benefits of conducting credible elections, stating, “Once we get our elections right and credible leaders emerge, there will be a drastic reduction in election petitions and litigations. Leaders will be focused and provide needed dividends of democracy that will assuage the hunger and anger in the land. INEC will concentrate on its statutory duties. It will no longer dissipate energy and resources on a flurry of litigations and distractions.”
In his address, Prince Bisong also commended INEC for its meticulous preparations ahead of the election. “We have observed that INEC, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, has made adequate arrangements for the monitoring of the Edo State Governorship Election. Adequate electoral materials, including sensitive ones, have been produced and distributed to 18 Local Government Council and RAs offices for conveyance by trained Electoral Officials to the various Polling Units (PUs) early Saturday morning. The election will be conducted between 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM with the utilization of BVAS for the authentication and accreditation of voters.”
Regarding security arrangements, he disclosed that a total of 35,000 security personnel would be deployed across the state to maintain peace and order during the election.
“Adequate security measures have been put in place, and thirty-five thousand (35,000) security agents will be covering the event. All media, observer groups, party agents, and other stakeholders have been accredited, briefed, and provided with electoral materials, and are already on the ground for the coverage of the election. We urge all registered voters to come out en masse on Saturday with their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) for authentication, accreditation, and the voting exercise to choose the Governor among the contestants,” he said.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to supporting voter education and collaborating with INEC and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
“On our part, we will continue with the joint responsibility of voters’ education and with INEC continued support to stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections. There cannot be enlightenment and development without political stability and trust in government,” Prince Bisong concluded.
