From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) hosted a Post-Election Review Parley on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Odilin’s Events and Decorations in Jos.
The gathering aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the October 9th local government elections and discuss strategies for improving the electoral process in future polls.
The event was attended by political parties, media representatives, civil society organizations, and government officials.
The Chairman of PLASIEC, Hon. Plangji Daniel, opened the session by reaffirming the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
He highlighted the steps taken to ensure the credibility of the October elections, including extensive consultations with stakeholders, voter awareness campaigns, and the training of over 22,000 election personnel.
Hon. Plangji also pointed out the innovative measures introduced in the election, such as the pilot testing of the PLASIEC Voter Verification System in select wards.
This initiative, he noted, was part of the commission’s efforts to modernize the electoral process and improve voter security.
“We are committed to an inclusive and transparent electoral process, and we encourage constructive feedback from all stakeholders to help us enhance future practices,” said. Hon. Plangji, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in building a robust democracy.
Architect Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, praised PLASIEC for organizing a peaceful and credible election.
He emphasized the need for fairness and inclusivity in local elections, urging the recognition of popular candidates regardless of political affiliations.
He also encouraged stakeholders to use the review session as an opportunity to identify successes and areas of improvement, reiterating the state government’s support for strengthening democratic practices.
Latep Dabang, a key advisor to the Governor and a prominent stakeholder, stressed the importance of transparency in governance, particularly in local elections.
He also voiced concerns over political manipulation and the dominance of one-party systems, advocating for greater collaboration between governments and international organizations to foster democracy. Dabang further underscored the importance of integrity, perseverance, and fairness in the electoral process to build trust in the system.
The event concluded with interactive discussions, where participants shared their perspectives and proposed actionable solutions to improve the electoral system. Stakeholders commended PLASIEC’s dedication to continuous improvement and their collaborative efforts, signaling a collective determination to enhance electoral integrity in Plateau State.
The successful completion of the parley marks a critical step in refining the state’s electoral process, with a shared commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity at its core.
