The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) states that every necessary measure has been taken to ensure a free, fair, and credible local government election today.
Speaking ahead of the election, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Retd), Chairman of LASIEC, said that all machinery has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free voting exercise, assuring that all is set to guarantee the integrity of the process.
“This is to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering a free, fair, credible, inclusive, and peaceful Local Government elections. On Saturday, July 12 (today), Lagosians across the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs of the state will go out to cast their votes to choose their leaders at the Local Government level as part of the orderly transfer of power in a democratic manner.
“57 Chairmanship positions are being contested, as well as 57 Vice Chairmanship positions and 376 Councillorship positions to be contested, while the Elections will be held in all the 13,325 polling Units across the State. The total number of registered voters stands at 7,060,195. The number of PVC collected is 6,214,970, Number of PVC uncollected is 845,225.
“The total number of registered political parties is 19, with 15 participating. The voting process starts at 8 am and ends at 3 pm; those in the queue by 3 pm will be attended to. The development that leads to a free, fair, and credible election starts with promoting public confidence and trust in the process. The commission is religiously following the implementation within the ambit of the law. We have taken comprehensive steps in line with our constitutional mandate and electoral guidelines to ensure a seamless process,” she said.
The chairman also promised the electorate and residents adequate security beyond the exercise, urging them to troop out and perform their civic duty.
“Members of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, shall be the first responders, while the joint military patrol – OP MESSA shall equally be on standby. The commission is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a successful, free, fair and credible election that is devoid of violence, intimidation, or harassment,” she assured.
The chairman also appealed to all the contestants to uphold democratic values and conduct themselves with decorum, maturity, and respect for the rule of law.
