Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla, has said that only five political parties, namely APC, PDP, APM, SDP and Accord Party will be participating in the Saturday local government elections in the state.
Speaking at a media parliament organized by the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin on Wednesday, the KWASIEC boss said that arrangements have been made for a hitch-free local government elections coming up on in all the 16 local government areas of the state.
“I am pleased to announce that the commission has carefully crafted a comprehensive time table for the forthcoming local government elections.
“This time table has been designed to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the electoral process.
“The local government elections are scheduled to take place on September 21, 2024.
“Polling units will open by 8.00am and voting will be concluded by 3.00pm, after which sorting, counting and collation of results will begin immediately.
“Announcement of results will be collated at the designated collation centres and announced after counting is concluded”, KWASIEC chairman said.
Baba-Okanla also said that his commission is fully prepared for the council poll, adding that, “we have worked diligently to ensure that every aspect of the electoral process is well planned and organized.
“From the training of electoral staff to the distribution of election materials, every measure is being put in place to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly, transparently, and in accordance with the law”.
He said that his commission has been collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the success of the council poll.
“The issue of the voter register is one that we have taken very seriously. A credible voter register is the foundation of any free and fair election, as it ensures that only eligible citizens participate in the electoral process”, he said.
Baba-Okanla said the commission has organized training programme for its staff and the ad-hoc staff that would supervise the elections across the 193 wards of the state.
He said they have also held consultations with the security agencies in the state to ensure maximum security of lives and property during the poll.
Earlier, the chairman of the state council of the NUJ, AbdulLateef Ahmed, had expressed delight that the state has thought it wise to put in place democratically elected governments at the local government levels.
Represented by the vice chairman, Hajia Binta Mora, the NUJ chairman urged the electoral body to conduct a free, fair and credible elections.