LG polls: Group sensitises youths, CSOs in Plateau

An NGO, Centre for Advocacy of Justice and Rights (CAJR), has sensitized leaders of youth groups, the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Plateau toward a credible local government election in the state.

Executive Director of CAJR, Mr. Kingsley Obida, said that the sensitization was organized in collaboration with Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).

Obida said that the interactive session was aimed at ensuring free, fair and peaceful polls, scheduled for Oct. 9.

While commending PLASIEC and security agencies for their efforts toward ensuring a peaceful and transparent election, the executive director called on residents of the state to participate actively in the exercise.

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”A credible election is a strong foundation for inclusive development and societal trust.

”However, the integrity of elections is not guaranteed by default; it requires the active participation, vigilance and collaboration of all stakeholders.

”As stakeholders, we must recognize that credible elections are in everyone’s best interest.

”We must ensure that electoral violence, vote buying, intimidation and malpractices are prevented during the Oct. 9 local government elections in Plateau.

”All critical stakeholders must work together to ensure that this election is credible and violence-free,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of PLASIEC, Mr. Planji Cishak, thanked CAJR for organizing the sensitization, adding that it would go a long way in ensuring peaceful polls in the state.

While stating that the commission would not be influenced by government, Cishak assured that all votes would count.

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”This election will be the best in the history of Plateau; it will be a complete departure from the past.

”The innovation and initiatives we introduced will help us to conduct a credible election.

”But, we need the support of key stakeholders to conduct the election; this is why initiatives like this is highly commendable,” he said.

The PLASIEC chairman particularly urged on youths to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after the exercise.