AHEAD of today’s supplementary governorship election in Bayelsa State, over 60 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country yesterday lampooned the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties actively involved in the poll over inciting comments.

The CSOs said by the actions and utterances of the political parties, they have clearly shown their bankruptcy in democratic norms.
The position of the CSOs was contained in an electronic statement released by them under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and signed by their media coordinator, Agianpe Ashang.

In the said statement, the CSOs noted that the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has been observing the Bayelsa governorship election process since October 2015 and has raised various concerns about the conduct of political actors, security and administration of the polls.

They lamented that “both the alleged preparations and the tenor of political language diminishes the credibility of these political parties and their commitment to democratic norms.”

They urged political parties and candidates to “cease making threats and accusations over the conduct of the poll and recognise that there are legitimate channels to air grievances both before and after the polls.”

The statement added: “Ahead of the election for cancelled areas across the state, the Situation Room wishes to draw attention to a number of concerns that we hope will be addressed in the few days to the poll.

The accusations and credible reports of both political sides mobilising and arming youths ahead of the election suggest direct breaches of the peace pact made ahead of the election. Both the alleged preparations and the tenor of political language diminish the credibility of these political parties and their commitment to democratic norms.
“The reported intervention of the Police Commissioner in the state in calling ex-militants to assert the need for orderly elections is welcome but we underline the importance of adequate impartial security to give voters the confidence that they can vote freely in a fair poll.”

The CSOs urged security agencies to strengthen security in all areas where polls are holding while maintaining the strictest of neutrality in their operations.
They also called on the INEC to exhibit the strongest possible competence and transparency in its management of Election Day and results.
“The Commission should release all available results via its ETRAC system at the earliest practical date (including results from the main poll).
“Furthermore, the Situation Room calls on all registered voters in the affected polling units where elections will take place to come out and exercise their democratic right to vote for the candidate of their choice,” the statement said.