- As Parties Sign Peace Accord Ahead LG Polls
By Prisca Ogbo
The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has promised to conduct a credible local government election come this Saturday, one that would promote equity and justice, just as it called for decorum among political contenders during the polls slated for July 13, 2024.
The Chairman of the commission, Dr. Jerry Agbaike, made the promise, yesterday, at the signing of a Peace Accord initiated by DSIEC to ensure a violent-free election.
Addressing the chairmanship candidates of ten political parties and law enforcement agencies in the state at DSIEC’s headquarters in Asaba, he said the commission was ready for the exercise.
In an interview with Journalists, Agbaike said “the importance of this peace accord is to ensure that there is decorum amongst political contenders and political parties in the conduct of elections”.
Driven by the principles of equity, justice and fairness, the Chairman assured Deltans of transparency in the forthcoming elections. “We will not compromise in any form; this election is going to be paradigm shift”, he said.
“They should portray themselves in a very peaceful and lawful manner, avoid statements that provoke or incite violence”. “The Commission is committed to ensuring that the outcome of elections must reflect the true wishes of people as expressed through the ballot boxes”, he posited.
In the same vein, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Surajudeen pledged his unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and peace of Deltans on the day of the elections. “Our assurance is that we will provide you with adequate security. All the agencies in the state are working together to ensure that a credible, free and fair election is delivered” he disclosed.
The CP also appealed to Deltans to cast their votes peacefully and in good conduct, stressing that the same rules used during the general elections will continue to stand.
“Cast and go home, if you are not going home, cast and stay by the side, do not disrupt the process. The votes will be counted at the various polling units and the results will be taken to the local governments where they will be declared”.
