Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has commended the conduct of the October 9 Local Government elections in the state, describing it as peaceful and well-coordinated.
This comes as the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission PLASIEC extended the time for the conduct of the ongoing Local Government Elections in the state to 5pm yesterday.
A statement issued in Jos by the head of media PLASIEC, Koro Yakubu, said the commission has notified the general public, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders on the shifting of the scheduled election for 8am to 5pm adding that it has now been extended by two hours and is expected to end by 5pm.
However, Mutfwang in his remarks after casting his vote at his Pushik 1 polling unit in Ampang West, Mangu local government area, praised the electoral commission for ensuring a seamless electoral process, designed to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.
“The exercise has commenced in earnest,” the Governor said. “As I drove from Jos through Barkin-Ladi to Mangu, I observed enthusiastic voters heading to their polling units to cast their votes.”
The governor reassured the public that their votes would count, expressing satisfaction with the efficiency of the process.
“I’m pleased to have cast my vote. The process is smooth and much faster than the BVAS machines used in general elections,” he remarked”.
He also expressed confidence that the large turnout of voters would be swiftly managed, given that accreditation and voting were proceeding simultaneously without hitches.
“Due to the peaceful nature of the exercise and the maturity displayed by voters, security personnel have had little to do,” Governor Mutfwang added, noting the transparency of the election process.
He emphasised the need for electoral systems to continually evolve: “The smoothness of this election has taught me that we must remain adaptable regarding technological platforms for elections. Accreditation is critical to the integrity of any election. Once it is done seamlessly, and people are confident that their votes will count, our electoral process will continue to grow with integrity.”
But, in a swift reaction, the All Progressive Congress (APC) Plateau State chapter has disclosed that the opposition party has uncovered a systematic way of depriving its candidates of victory in the ongoing elections.
The party said reports reaching its secretariat revealed that most of the APC strongholds have been grossly shortchanged by inadequate ballot papers.
A statement issued by the party state acting publicity secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, said for example in Pankshin, Kanke, Bokkos and Bassa local government areas, some polling units were only given 20 percent of the required ballot papers as well as result sheets.
He argued that in some areas, up to the time of this report, there are no election materials in Qua’an Pan local government area.
Bamaiyi posited that there is evidence that there is deliberate attempt to rig the APC out of the election at all costs.
While urging party supporters to remain calm and law abiding, the party charged them to cast and defend their votes.
However, senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau Simon Lalong has voted in the ongoing local Government elections in the State.
Lalong after casting his vote at polling unit 015, said he was satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the exercise but observed some challenges.
He observed that accreditation was done manually because of the failure of the card reader. The PLASIEC officials explained that they have been directed to use manual accreditation if the card reader fails.
The senator confirmed that he had made enquiries and ascertained that the PLASIEC and political parties had agreed that where electronic accreditation fails, manual option should be adopted using the voters register.
He also said there were complaints of shortfall in distribution of ballot papers as some areas did not receive all the papers expected.
Again, he acknowledged that there was consensus between PLASIEC and political parties that the ballot papers already printed and distributed should be maintained while no new papers should be printed.
While expressing confidence that the APC will win the elections, Lalong urged PLASIEC to maintain neutrality and conduct free and fair elections.
He also asked the people to maintain peace and exercise their franchise while being vigilant to ensure that their votes are counted and properly declared.
Former member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, Hon Dachung Bagos, who voted at the Mount Carmel Polling Unit 041 said he was happy to vote in the local government council Elections after six years when the last exercise took place.
He said the elections will herald local government autonomy and confirmed the legitimisation of LG Autonomy via the elections as councillors and chairmen.
On the extension of voting, the head of Media in PLASIEC, Koro Yakubu
said the commission extended voting due to unforeseen challenges encountered in some areas as regards the late arrival of sensitive materials in certain polling units across the state.
She said the commission is actively addressing this issue and working to ensure that all materials are deployed accordingly and every voter exercises their franchise.
“The technical hitch earlier experienced with the Voter Accreditation Software, VVS in some polling units across the state has been resolved as the Presiding Officers have since reverted to the use of the manual registers and voting has commenced as stated by the Chairman of the Commission, Plangji Cishak.
She added that the commission technical team is working around the clock to resolve this issue to restore seamless operations.
Yakubu also stressed that the Commission is fully committed to ensuring the credibility of the election and assures all citizens that every vote will count and that no eligible voter will be disenfranchised due to these delays.
The commission appreciates the patience and understanding of the public, and we remain dedicated to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.
According to her further updates will be provided as the situation progresses, the statement noted.
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