The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), in Kebbi, has called on the state independent electoral commission (KESIEC) to release election guidelines preparatory to the local government elections scheduled for Aug. 31.

The chairman of IPAC in the state, Ibrahim Muhammad, made the call while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said that the council had confidence in the ability of the commission to conduct the elections.

”We are equally satisfied with the time frame for preparations and conduct of the polls beginning from July 7 to Sept. 9, 2024.

“However, political parties are in need of election guidelines to enable them to meet the challenges of the exercise.

“We want KESIEC to release the guidelines before the commencement of the electoral processes on July 7.

“Eighteen political parties that made up IPAC held fruitful discussions with the commission a fortnight ago on the forthcoming local government elections.

”The main issues for discussion was the timetable, campaigning and the elections proper.

“Based on imminent developments, the political parties came together to review the timetable to chart the best way forward for the polls; we are satisfied with the ongoing preparations.

“Our concern is the non release of election guidelines to serve as a shining beam for the political parties ahead of the polls and the mode for declaration of results,” he said.

Mr Mohammad further requested KESIEC to waive or reduce to the barest minimum, fees for nomination forms and appoint only educated persons of neutrality, integrity and competence to serve as electoral officers for the local government elections.

 (NAN)