Ekiti State residents have received praise for holding a peaceful local government election.

Last weekend saw the election of 177 councilors and 38 chairmen.

The election has once again shown the caliber of leadership in the State, according to the Nigerian Human Rights Community, or NIHRCO, which was in charge of observing the proceedings in 177 wards. NIHRCO was founded in 2003 and is a nationwide alliance of 135 community-based and civil society organizations.

It said the election was peaceful, devoid of violence and rigging while the outcome represents the freewill of the voters.

The coalition urged State Governments that have not yet held Local Government elections to do so in a statement signed by its representatives, emphasizing the importance of local government management to democracy and growth.

According to the NIHRCO, a thorough report on the election is being assembled and will be sent to democratic institutions both domestically and internationally, outlining the difficulties and lessons learned.

‘The Local Government election was not perfect, but it represented a remarkable achievement in building sustainable democratic culture in Nigeria’ the group said in a statement signed by its Programme Officers, Mr Taiwo Adeleye and Fredrick Ojinika. The group called on the National Assembly to create special intervention funds to assist State Electoral Commission to meet democratic obligations in line with the fiscal support given by the Federal Government to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

The Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission, or EKSIEC, was praised by the group for the smooth and nearly error-free administration of the entire process, as well as the timely delivery of materials. “The results of the Ekiti Local Government election demonstrate that states are more capable of managing their own affairs than the federal government in many ways.” According to NHRC, there wasn’t a single violent incident. It had great security. The voters were well-mannered and well-educated, and the materials arrived on schedule. It stated that none of our observers saw any instances of voter intimidation or financial inducement.

The coalition however said the turnout was above national average but not in line with global expectations. It said monitors observed that the opposition parties were non-challant towards the election adding that those interviewed argued that the leading opposition parties did not show keen interest in the election build up neither did they campaign during the run up to the Saturday election indicating that the opposition in the state has been weakened compared with the situation in the past. It also said that Ekiti needs more polling units given the growing population and the increasing number of new settlements observed during the election which were not hitherto covered either by INEC or SEIC.

The coalition said monitoring local government elections is as important as observing National elections adding that there is always the need for a third party opinion so that the content of the elections and its impact on the future of democracy in Nigeria will be better appreciated.

At this time that Nigeria faces internal threats to democracy and growing concerns about of public trust, it is important to deepen democracy and strengthen governance at the grassroots. This is exactly what has happened in Ekiti State’ NIHRCO said urging other state governments that have not conducted local government elections to do so The rights groups however pointed out certain challenges that it said should be urgently addressed in future local government elections.

The National Assembly and the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC needs to work with the State Independent Electoral Commission, SEIC to ensure that Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, (BVAS) are deployed in local elections adding that National elections are as important as Local Government elections

The group said using BVAS for National Elections is good but that the same technology should be used in Local Government elections which may require special funds for SIECs to enable the institution develop the technology that will broaden popular participation, ensure real time transmission of results taking local government elections into a higher level

NIHRCO said the election had its own strength, opportunities and shortcomings that should be addressed to deepen democracy and people’s representation at the grassroots.

“We commend what appears to be the high moral ground of the Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji who earlier embarked on a non-violence campaign across the state, using the extensive media space ahead of the Local Government election.” The coalition said deliberate policy of non-violence by state actors is essential for sustainable development.

The group said Nigerian should be encouraged to show interest in Local Government elections adding that if Nigeria gets it right at the local government level, it will be easier to conduct credible elections at the National level.

Ekiti needs more polling units, say observers

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