Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, has appealed to the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to maintain neutrality and conduct free and fair elections.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after he cast his vote at Ajikamai in the Shendam local government area of the state, the former governor said he is satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the exercise but observed some challenges.
According to him, accreditation was done manually because of the failure of the card reader, adding that PLASIEC officials explained that they have been directed to use manual accreditation if the card reader fails.
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Lalong confirmed that he had made inquiries and ascertained that the PLASIEC and political parties had agreed that where electronic accreditation fails, a manual option should be adopted using the voter register.
He added that there were complaints of a shortfall in the distribution of ballot papers, as some areas did not receive all the papers expected.
Lalong enjoined the people to maintain peace and exercise their franchise while being vigilant to ensure that their votes are counted and properly declared.
The senator, who recalled that he implemented local government autonomy during his tenure as governor, described the election as a watershed in Nigeria’s political history, as the local governments will now function properly for the benefit of the people.
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