Yiaga Africa, a non-profit and non-governmental organisation,says there would be possible low turnout of voters for the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) election scheduled to hold today.
Yiaga’s Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu tied her group’s concern to little or no campaigning by political parties participating in the election, low voter mobilisation and publicity.
She also lamented difficulties in accessing information from the the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), stating that this negatively impacted Yiaga Africa’s planning for the observation of the election.
She said that the guidelines containing the election day procedures are not available from the commission, and that all efforts to access the document from the headquarters of the commission were unsuccessful.
“While acknowledging the ongoing promotion of the LGA election on state television and social media, voter education campaigns by the election stakeholders especially political parties and LASIEC have been poor. The LGA election which is considered closest to the people has not received the intensive grassroots campaign for citizens’ participation in the process,” she added.
While recommending solutions for future elections, a board member of the Yiaga Africa, Eze Nwagu urged LASIEC to improve on its communication and engagement with election stakeholders, which include election observers, CSOs, security and the media.
He also urged the commissio to be transparent and accountable to boost citizens’ confidence in the LGA election process.
“For future LGA elections, LASIEC should provide a simple and straightforward process to facilitate timely accreditation for domestic observers.Security agencies should collaborate with the commission to secure election materials, personnel and citizens.Security personnel deployed for the election should conduct themselves with the utmost sense of responsibility, professionalism, and impartiality. They should be on the alert to forestall any attempt to circumvent the election using violence and intimidation.
“Yiaga Africa calls on all contesting political parties to abide by the rules governing the conduct of the LGA elections; parties should admonish their supporters to refrain from acts that could jeopardize the process or destabilize public peace. CSOs should up their efforts in conducting last-minute Get-Out-The-Vote Campaigns in a matter that will increase participation in the election. CSOs should increase their effort in providing oversight on the LGA election.
Meanwhile,the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LAISEC) has assured Lagos residents of adequate security during and after today’s local government election in the state
The body said that the security of lives and properties during and after the election will be given topmost priority, stressing that members of the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) and Neighbourhood watch will be first responders while the joint forces of Operation MESSA will be on standby.
Justice Ayonde Philips (rtd), chairman of LASIEC, told journalists that the result of validation exercise of political parties showed that 15 political parties will be participating in the election.
She said: “As part of preparations for the election, non-sensitive materials have ready been deployed, while the distribution of sensitive materials to all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) will be done tonight in the presence of security agencies and political parties agents to ensure security and transparency.
“Voting process will start at 8am and will end at 3pm, while those on the queque at 3pm shall be attended to. Elections shall be conducted with the use of smart cards, Personal Voters Card (PVC). Persons living with Disabilities would be adequately assisted in the election process, while elderly people, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers shall be given preference in casting their votes.”
The commission maintained that in line with Nigeria Centre for Dusease Control (NCDC), Lagos State government and other relevant health authorities protocols on COVID-19, the commission shall strictly enforce the use of facemask and observance of social distancing, while there will be provision of infrared thermometers, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, disinfection of chairs, tables and work areas for safety of voters and electoral officials at voting centres.
