A coalition, the Intercontinental Leadership Initiative, and teams of Independent National Electoral Commission-Accredited Observers, on Friday, advocated for a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful poll.
Addressing journalists in a press conference in Benin City, Edo State, the leader of the coalition, Stanfford Bisong, said that the success of the election would go a long way in restoring trust in the democratic process essential for enduring representative governance.
Bisong said with the look of things, INEC, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, had made adequate arrangements for monitoring the poll.
According to him, this election has been observed by INEC-accredited observer groups over the past few weeks and there is no substitute for a free, fair, credible transparent, inclusive, and peaceful poll.
“The success of this election will go a long way in restoring trust in the democratic process essential for enduring representative governance. Flawed elections that produce incompetent leaders are the remote cause of economic stagnation, political upheavals, and socio-religious disharmony in the polity as the imposed leaders seek personalinterests in place of national interest.
“Once we get our elections right and credible leaders emerge, there will be a drastic reduction in election petitions and litigations. Leaders will be focused and provide needed dividends of democracy that will assuage the hunger and anger in the land. INEC will concentrate on its statutory duties. It will no longer dissipate energy and resources on a flurry of litigations and distractions,” Bisong said.
He added that the observers would continue with the joint responsibility of voters’ education, and with INEC continued support to enlighten the stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections.
“There cannot be development without political stability and trust in government. We have observed that INEC, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, has made adequate arrangements for the monitoring of the Edo State Governorship Election.
“Adequate electoral materials, including sensitive ones, have been produced and distributed to 18 local government Council and RAs offices for conveyance by trained Electoral Officials to the various polling units early Saturday morning.
“Your votes will count based on the completed INEC arrangement. We wish the INEC and Edo State a successful, peaceful, and transparent governorship election,” Bisong said.
