17 percent of voters take part in LG election, says LASIEC
‘Staff sign oath of Neutrality ahead of July 24 election’
By Aisha Abass
About 17 percent of registered voters participate in local government elections in Lagos State, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, (LASIEC) has said. The Commission also said its adhoc staff have signed ‘Oath of Neutrality’ to ensure the election is not manipulated by any interest.
The LASIEC Chairman, Justice Ayotunde Philips said the Local Government election slated for July 24 will be free and fair. The 17 percent voters turnout however is far more than what is obtained in many of the 36 states of the Federation.
The Chairman spoke at the second day of the peoples’ engagement forum organised by LASIEC towards energizing voters in the state.
The Chairman of LASIEC said measures have been taken to ensure the upcoming election is free, fair and credible, such steps she said included “Oath of Neutrality” taken by LAISEIC staffs which he said is an agreement that has been signed by their adhoc staff to ensure proper conduct during the elections.
She said misconduct from staffs will be sanctioned. And any misconduct from them will be dealt with. She said that meetings have been ongoing with security operatives to ensure smooth voting exercise during the elections at all polling units. The comments of the LASIEC chairman was praised by participants including representatives of the leading opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).
The event which began on Monday saw LASIEC moving to Alimosho area in continuation of the weeklong event attended by Irohinoodua. Hon Justice Philips said ensuring a credible election with inclusive electoral process is one of the major aims of the commission.
Tagged Y2021 Local Government Elections Stakeholders’ Forum with the theme “Taking Ownership of Electoral Process- Citizen Participation” the Lagos West Senatorial District event held at Grand Ovation located at Ipaja-Alimosho LCDAs.
In attendance were stakeholders, including traditional rulers, civil society, security operatives, women associations, youth groups and the media.
In his opening remark, Mr. Adeyinka Jeje, the lead Consultant and CEO of Greysand Global Resources Limited welcomed the guests while giving the reason for the forum. He said public participation is key to effective electoral process. He also emphasised the need for people to come out to vote during the Local Government election which comes up on the 24th of July this year.
Hon. Justice Ayotunde Philips said that the reason for the forum is to interact and interface with all stakeholders of the elections adding that it is also an opportunity to ask and get information on elections and the electoral processes. She underlined the need for people to participate more in the elections as there has been just about 17% out of the total registered voters exercising their voting rights during Local government elections.
The National Coordinator, Democracy Vanguard of the Citizenship Awareness Centre (CCAC) Mr Adeola Soetan, who was a resource person said “The most important part of the elections are the voters”. He said most people are not even aware of the upcoming Local Government elections. He urged the youths, and other stakeholders to participate in exercising their voting rights. He said people should avoid rigging of elections and collecting bribes. He also said citizen participation also involves them being part of the funding of their political parties where they are members adding that this will also make them to be able to express their opinion on the choice of candidates they want during the primaries in their various political parties.
