Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) has said that it will use only manual process
and not electronic voting in the conduct of the September 21 local government elections in Kwara state.
Speaking during a stakeholders forum organised ahead of the forthcoming local government election in the state on Tuesday in Ilorin, the commission’s chairman, Mohammed Okanla, also said that there will not be electronic transmission of results either.
Mr Okanla added that “KWSIEC will ensure that these elections are free, fair, credible, acceptable, and inclusive.
“We have put in place robust measures to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, from voter registration to the final declaration of results. We are committed to transparency and accountability at every step of the process.
“As we prepare for the upholding of local government elections, it is vital to recognise their importance in our democratic system.
“Local government elections are the foundation of our democratic structure, providing citizens with the power to elect leaders who will directly affect their everyday lives.”
Also speaking, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, called on the electoral umpire to provide a level playing field to all the political parties before, during, and after the election.
Hon. Mohammed added that the council election in the state was long overdue, adding that council elections were last held in the state in 2017.
He said, “This is unprecedented in the history of the state.
“I appeal to KWSIEC to do what is legal and humanly possible to ensure we have a free, fair, and transparent election in the state.
“Your body language so far has shown your commitment and determination to do the needful.”.
Also speaking, the All Progressives Congress (APC) acting chair in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi S. Abubakar, advised the commission to hold town hall meetings with the electorate, especially in the grassroots areas of the state.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM TheWitness
