The Centre for Democracy and Development has urged the electorate in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo to turn out en masse and vote for democracy to triumph.

The chairman of CCD Election Analysis Centre, Africa, Adele Jinadu, stated this at a pre-election news conference on Friday in Akure.

Mr Jinadu said Ondo residents should have a firm belief that their votes would count irrespective of perceived discouragement. He stated that it was worrisome that voter turnout in elections in the county has continued to drop.

The CDD EAC chairman added that voter apathy was dangerous for any democracy.

“Voter apathy leads to lack of accountability, increased disillusionment and can allow resentment and insecurity to fester,” Mr Jinadu said.

He said that all stakeholders must try to reverse the growing trend of citizens not wanting to engage with the democratic process. He also urged political actors to eschew divisive and inciting tendencies capable of undermining peace before, during and after the election.

Mr Jinadu said that the general security atmosphere leading to the election in the state had been relatively peaceful. He, however, said that the centre was concerned about the security situation in Akure South, Owo, Idanre and Akoko South-East LGAs.

He promised that the organisation would continue to monitor engagements and provide as much support as needed to contribute to peaceful elections across the country.

Mr Jinadu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain impartial and carry out its duties diligently and patriotically.

(NAN)