Ahead of tomorrow’s governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) emphasized the pivotal role election outcomes play in shaping public perception.
During a press conference at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Owerri, Imo State, the national chairman of IPAC, Engr Yabagi Y. Sani, highlighted the significance of fair and credible elections in preserving citizens’ trust in the democratic system.
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He emphasized the need for transparency and legitimacy in electoral processes, stating that IPAC is introducing an innovative intervention called the Election Results Management System (ERMS).
This system, communicated to the INEC chairman, all 19 national chairmen, and governorship candidates in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States, aims to enhance the integrity of election results.
“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,” he said.
He noted that 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.
“However, political parties have 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,” he said.
He emphasized that a vibrant democracy hinges on active citizen engagement, well-informed decision-making, and trust in governing institutions. Rebuilding this trust, he stated, necessitates a collaborative effort involving political leaders, civil society, and the media.
Addressing insecurity, ensuring transparent electoral processes, and holding political actors accountable were identified as vital measures to restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy. He underscored the collective responsibility to foster an environment that nurtures trust, promotes civic engagement, and fortifies the democratic foundation of the nation.
“Furthermore, empowering citizens to actively participate in the democratic process is key to ensuring the integrity of elections. It’s crucial for the people of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi to take control of their destinies and resist any actions that could undermine the democratic principles that should guide the electoral process.
“Thuggery, vote buying, and rigging are detrimental to the democratic process and can erode the trust that citizens have in their elected representatives. By resisting these negative influences, citizens can contribute to the creation of a fair and transparent electoral environment,” he said.
He noted the importance of selecting leaders based on merit, vision, and their potential positive impact on the community. Emphasizing the need for citizens to prioritize candidates genuinely representing their interests and dedicated to the welfare and development of their states, he asserted that such choices would lead to the election of leaders committed to enhancing the lives and communities of the electorate.
“Citizens should be proactive in shaping the future of the nation. Grassroots involvement is fundamental to the success of any democracy. By disregarding the negative tactics of political actors and focusing on making informed choices, citizens can contribute to the establishment of a robust and accountable democratic system in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi by their conduct in the forthcoming election,” he said.
He urged INEC to diligently engage security agencies, emphasizing adherence to the rules of engagement and resisting manipulation by desperate politicians. Stressing the need for security agencies’ involvement in the electoral process to be characterized by professionalism, neutrality, and a commitment to defending democracy, he emphasized the importance of citizens feeling secure in their participation.
Additionally, he highlighted the crucial role of INEC in ensuring the timely and secure delivery of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to 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. As we go into these off-season elections, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of democracy, fairness, and transparency. The challenges we face are not insurmountable, but they require a collective effort from all stakeholders involved in the electoral process,” he said.