The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission has pledged
to conduct free, fair and credible local government elections, slated for October 9.

The commission’s Chairman, Plangji Cishak, made the pledge at a stakeholders’ engagement it organised on Thursday in Jos.

Mr Cishak, who promised Plateau residents that their votes would count, said that the commission would conduct an election that would be in tandem with global standard.

He added, “This election is not just another event on our calendar, it represents a vital opportunity for citizens to exercise their democratic right and shape the future of their communities. We will conduct not just a free, fair election, but one that the votes of Plateau residents will count.”

The chairman said that the stakeholders’ engagement was part of preparations toward a peaceful and credible election.

He told the stakeholders that the commission is adequately prepared to ensure an all-inclusive process.

He said, “Immediately we came on board, we prioritised engaging with stakeholders across all 17 local government areas of the state. This initiative is essential for us to gather insights and inputs from the people, helping us to understand their expectations and concerns. I firmly believe that grassroots approach is foundational in building a robust democratic framework that reflects the true voices of our people. This election will also mark a significant milestone in the history of PLASIEC, as we are introducing electronic components for the first time, including state-of-the-art voter verification software developed exclusively by our ICT team. This innovation is designed to ensure that only eligible voters can cast their votes, a crucial step toward making sure that the voices of Plateau people are heard and respected.”

Mr Cishak further explained that the commission was collaborating with the Police and other security agencies, as well as civil society organisations, religious organisations, and other critical stakeholders toward ensuring a rancour-free election.

In brief remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, promised not to interfere in the process.

The governor called on Plateau residents to be peaceful before, during and after the election, insisting that “Plateau will remain one at all times.”

(NAN)