Kwara Electoral Commission Engages Political Parties Ahead Of Local Government Election
The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) has initiated preparations for the forthcoming local government elections with a stakeholders’ engagement involving 17 political parties in the state.
The meeting, convened at the KWSIEC headquarters in Ilorin, aimed to foster collaboration and adherence to electoral guidelines ahead of the scheduled polls.
Chairman of KWSIEC, Okanla, welcomed representatives from major political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Action Alliance, and others.
In his opening remarks, Okanla emphasized the imperative of conducting violence-free campaigns and urged parties to abide strictly by electoral regulations.
“I urge political parties to ensure massive mobilization and encourage Kwarans to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice. Please, political parties should conduct themselves properly and abide by the rules of the game,” Okanla urged.
The chairman disclosed that KWSIEC would oversee the political party primaries and requested comprehensive details from parties regarding their respective primary processes.
He also announced the forthcoming advertisement in national dailies inviting applications for adhoc officers, with emphasis on selecting only qualified candidates for the electoral roles.
Representatives of political parties expressed appreciation for the engagement and pledged commitment to a peaceful electoral process. The PDP Chairman in Kwara State commended KWSIEC for organizing the session and assured compliance with electoral guidelines.
“We appreciate the commission for this engagement and assure you that we will play by the rules. We have been expecting this meeting long ago,” he affirmed.
Similarly, the IPAC State Secretary, Prince Oyedeji Adekunle, urged all parties and supporters to participate peacefully in the electoral process. He stressed that elections should be a celebration of democracy rather than an avenue for conflict.
APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, commended KWSIEC for its proactive approach and requested clear electoral guidelines to guide the parties effectively.
“I commend the commission for putting in place a very comprehensive timetable. Any serious-minded party should already have a template to contest elections, and this engagement is just a convention. I request that the commission provide electoral guidelines,” he stated.
One of the key discussions during the engagement focused on the cost of nomination forms, with political parties advocating for moderation given the prevailing economic conditions in the country.
The parties highlighted the need for accessible participation in the electoral process without financial constraints hindering aspirants.
The stakeholders’ engagement concluded with a consensus on the importance of transparent and peaceful elections in Kwara State. KWSIEC assured all parties of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible local government elections in line with best practices and electoral laws.
