Stakeholders task Kaduna Electoral Commission on free, fair polls

Some critical stakeholders have called on Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission KADSIECOM to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible local government election scheduled for  4th September 2021.

This was contained in a statement which was jointly signed shortly after a meeting by the stakeholders,  Mall Abdullahi Mohammed of the interfaith centre (IMC)  , Rev Danlami Gajere  Community peace observers and  Mall Rilwanu of the conflicts mitigation and management regional,Mr Terngu Gwar of the national human rights commission among others.

The meeting was coordinated by the community initiative to promote peace, Community peace observers community peace Action network with media on peace and National human rights commission among others.

They called on citizens to fact-check social Media election results from the state electoral umpire KADSIECOM.

It further called on all to be at alert by reporting any suspicious activities to the security agencies before during and after the elections.

They further urged all parties to continue to reject violence of any kind and exercise maximum retrain from provocative speeches and address their difference peacefully.

The group also urges the citizens to remain calm and also political parties should always decimate information to their followers that will not incite tension among citizens.

While calling on the security agencies to be instrumental for the safe conduct of the poll while also ensuring synergy among other security agencies.

The groups have called on the political parties, traditional and religious institutions, followers and members of the society to be instrumental in the prevention of electoral related violence, by being proactive to educate and appeal to their membership on non-violent electoral processes through a commitment that ensures for people’s Rights to exercise their franchise in the democratic settings.

They urged all parties to continue to reject violence of any kind, exercise maximum restraint in their actions and statements by refraining from provocations such as violence and violent speeches and address their differences peacefully.

The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, (KADSIECOM) should as a matter of urgency, ensure that electoral materials arrived polling units on time to avoid tension and suspicion.

While calling on the Electoral Commission to please accord special consideration for People Living with Disability (PLWDs) as they come out to exercise their Civic Rights during the elections.

The media should endeavor to disseminate information that doesn’t incite tension among citizens; and report in the best interest that portrays professionalism.

Our traditional and religious leaders should use their positions of influence to educate their followers and on the need for peace during and after the elections.

The youth should be a symbol of peace and support the electoral processes to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully.

The security agencies should also be instrumental for safe conduct at the polls and calling on them to have synergy among other security agencies and the people should cooperate with them to ensure that elections is free, fair and credible.

Adding that all electorates should observe the Covid-19 protocols in the polling units for the safety of all. While wishing that the election will be conducted in the best interest of all the citizens of Kaduna State.

Nnenna.O