The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has restated its commitment and readiness to conducting credible local government election in the state on Saturday.
Chairman of the commission, Hassim Abioye, made the commitment while unveiling, at the OSSIEC Headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital, samples of the election materials to be used for the poll.
Abioye who noted that distribution of election materials to all the local government areas would commence immediately, said the voting cubicle for the exercise was unique in its design and application.
He explained that rather than have the usual voting cubicle with a space to allow only one person vote, the new cubicle would admit two voters at a time to carry out their civic duty.
“We are fully prepared to conduct a free, fair and credible election. All necessary materials have been secured, and we are working closely with all security agencies to ensure a smooth process.
“For the first time, we have a voting cubicle which will allow two persons at a time to vote. This is to reduce the long queues often associated with voting in this part of the world.
“Our ballot boxes are ready and the ballot papers are barcoded in such a way that the one meant for a particular local government cannot be used in another local government,” he said.
The chairman stated that the election would go on as planned since all arrangements for a seamless process had been concluded with all registered political parties rearing to participate.
He urged the electorate to be peaceful in their conduct while voting, stressing that success of the poll depended on the conduct of the people and the political parties.
“As I am talking to you now, all the 18 political parties that registered are participating. We have not heard of any political party withdrawing from the election. We have not received any communication to that effect and that will not in any way hamper the process of the election,” he assured.
IPAC
The Osun State Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC) chairman, Victor Akande, who spoke on behalf of the participating political parties, lauded OSSIEC for bringing innovation into the process and urged the electoral body to resist external influences.
“We appreciate the transparency of the commission in this process and we expect a level playing field on Saturday for all candidates,” he said.
The Osun council election comes up on Saturday across the 30 local government areas of the state.
Confidence Okwuchi
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