By Onyinyechi Nwankwo
As means of ensuring a successful free and fair governorship election in Imo State come Saturday 11, the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has organized voters sensitization program to enlighten the citizens on the need to fully participate in governance and exercise their franchise.
Addressing Journalists at the Sensitization program cum Press Conference in Owerri, yesterday, the National Chairman of IPAC, Engr. Yabagi Y. Sani said that it is in pursuit of the objectives of voter education that IPAC officials arrived the three states Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi, where off-cycle elections will take place simultaneously on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
He noted that IPAC is a body of all registered and recognized political parties in Nigeria and a critical stakeholder in the national democratic process, set up in recognition of the roles of political parties in consolidating and deepening democracy as well as ensuring a conducive environment for successful elections, political stability, enduring democracy, good governance and well-being of Nigerians.
"It is structured at National, State and Local Government Areas, in order to ensure that all levels and tiers of government are carried along in the electoral and democratic process.
" IPAC works with critical stakeholders, namely, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), arms and tiers of government, security agencies, development partners, Civil Society Groups, MDAs, the media, others, to carry out critical reforms in the electoral process as well as ensure that all hands are on deck in order that elections in Nigeria hold successfully, freely, fairly and in a conducive atmosphere
"IPAC is calling on Nigerians, especially citizens in the three states to come out en-mass to exercise their rights to vote. The Voter sensitization and education program is a joint responsibility between political parties and the Independent Electoral Commission to ensure that citizens are mobilized, well informed, on their obligations in the electoral process. This ritual no doubt, is one of ways to engender transparency and citizens’ participation and engagement in the electoral process.
He observed that "in recent times, the erosion of trust in the democratic process in Nigeria has resulted in increasing political apathy thereby weakening the very foundation of democracy, also
Insecurity, whether stemming from insurgency, banditry, or other forms of violence, creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty which does not only jeopardize the safety of citizens, but also undermines their confidence in the ability of the government to provide security and maintain law and order.
"The outcomes of elections play a crucial role in shaping public perception. When citizens perceive electoral processes as flawed or manipulated, it erodes their trust in the democratic system. Fair and credible elections are essential for fostering a sense of legitimacy and trust in the government.
"So In the light of the above IPAC is introducing an innovative intervention through Election Results Management System ERMS which has recently brought to the attention of INEC Chairman, all 19 National Chairmen, as well as all the Governorship Candidates in Bayelsa, Imo & Kogi States. In particular, the Candidates have been told that they can utilise the ERMS even after the election.
"The ERMS Collation module is ready to commence operation on 11 Nov 2023, and capable of displaying the results on www.ipac.ng/erms The PU results will not be real-time online, but the collated results will be ahead of those of INEC at the Ward, LG, and State Collation Centres. This innovative intervention by IPAC will not only increase the confidence of the citizens in our electoral processes but also provide political parties with first hand information on election results.
The Chairman advised political parties to be more patriotic because the activities of political actors who are perceived to be corrupt and prioritizing personal gain over the public good fuels disillusionment and cynicism which pose significant challenges to the functioning of democracy, stating that a vibrant democracy relies on active citizen participation, informed decision-making, and trust in the institutions that govern.
He urged citizens to choose their leaders based on merit and vision, candidates who genuinely represent their interests and are committed to the welfare and development of their respective States, disregarding the negative tactics of political actors and focusing on making informed choices.
Furthermore, he admonished "INEC to work diligently in persuading the security agencies to play by the rules of engagement and resist the temptation of being used by desperate politicians. The involvement of security agencies in the electoral process must be based on professionalism, neutrality, and a commitment to the defense of our democracy, rather than partisan interests. The citizens must feel secure in their participation in the electoral process, knowing that their safety and security are assured.
"It is also of paramount importance that INEC ensures the timely and secure delivery of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to the various polling units. Delays or mishandling of these materials can lead to suspicion and undermine the credibility of the entire election. We must work collaboratively to guarantee that these materials reach their destinations without any hitches.
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