Observers commend ENSIEC, as Enugu council poll holds today

A coalition of civil society organisations yesterday hailed the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) over its level of preparedness for the local council poll scheduled to take place in the state today.

The group under the auspices of Network of Civil Society Organisations are in Enugu to observe the polls, which would hold across the 17 local government areas of the State.

Leader of the group, Comrade Kalu Victor, at a pre-election press briefing, alongside leaders of other civil society groups, said the team had so far observed that Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission is resolute, transparent and committed to conducting a free and fair local government election in the state, hence provided a level playing ground for all political parties in the State to participate in the election.

“The actions and conducts of ENSIEC, to the best of our knowledge, are so far guided by the State Electoral Laws.

“We gathered that after due consultations and considerations with relevant stakeholders, especially political parties, with respect to the State Electoral Laws, ENSIEC released the timetable for the election, in which 4th November, 2017 was announced and set aside for the election to be held. The timetable and date for the election were unanimously accepted by all political parties and stakeholders in the state.

“We observed that for the first time in the history of the state, strong and formidable opposition parties are seriously campaigning and mobilising to challenge the ruling party.

“Also the ruling party PDP, led by the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi took the campaign to all the council areas and wards in the state to canvass for votes. That is democracy in action. We noted that the various candidates emerged through transparent internal party democratic process in their various parties.”

As part of their recommendations, the observers urged the ENSIEC to give priority to difficult terrains in the state in terms of distribution of election materials to ensure quick and timely commencement of election in such areas.