Human Rights Activist, Idris Miliki Abdul, has called on the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, KOSIEC, to live up to the expectations of the people by conducting free, fair and acceptable elections.
He tasked the agency to also make the outcome of the process known to the public as soon as the elections are concluded.
Miliki, who made the call after his observation of the commission’s activities ahead of the election, also called on security agencies to exhibit utmost professionalism in providing security during the election.
The Activist who heads the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, CHRCR, however, commended the Commission for the transparency it has displayed so far, ahead of the election slated for October 19th, 2024.
He said “According to the timetable released on the 16th of July 2024 by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC and signed by the Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri, elections to the 21 local government chairmen and 229 Counsellorship, shall be held on the 19th of October, 2024.
“While we commend the commission so far, for implementing its own timetable vigorously and diligently. we call on the commission to live up to the expectations of the people by conducting free, fair and acceptable elections and make the outcoming known to the public as soon as the elections are concluded.
“We call on the state government, especially the Governor, His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to provide and make available, all necessary logistic and material supports without exception, ranging from electoral materials, vehicles, personnel and security to SIEC to do their job in an enduring and peaceful atmosphere.
“We observed the peaceful conduct of political parties during their campaign so far and commend such efforts and urge it to be sustained as the campaign is getting to a close, according to the timetable released by SIEC.
“We call on the security agencies to give their maximum support and to remain non-partisan, maintain neutrality and professionalism before, during and after the Local Government elections.
“We urge the media to uphold the tenets of professionalism and abide by the guidelines and the Law guiding election results announcement, and avoid sensationalism in their reportage.
“We call on the citizens, political party supporters and eligible voters to come out and participate by casting their votes for candidates and political parties of their choice. We also urge the citizens not to engage in fake news and misinformation before, during and after the election.
“We urge all the candidates of various political parties to realise that elections are a contest with various participants, and at the end of the exercise, a winner will emerge or be declared. Those who are not satisfied with the outcome should approach the Election Tribunal as elections is not a do or die affair”.