ASABA/Nigeria: The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Delta State, have called for a review the laws governing the conduct of local government elections in the country, to enable credibility in the process at the grassroots.
The Chairman of Accredited Observers in the recent March 6, Local Government Elections in Delta State Mr. Efemena Atutu, made the call during a Post-Election briefing with newsmen in Asaba, the state capital.
He noted that the reforms would address the anomaly where the ruling parties in states always emerge victorious at council polls with wide margins.
Speaking on observations on the recent local elections in the state, the Chairman of Accredited Observers Mr. Efemena Atutu, pointed there were remarkable improvements in the process in terms of early arrival of Ad-hoc staff and a high level of electioneering standards.
Mr. Efemena however observed the minimal involvement of opposition parties in the elections, while advocating for a change in local election laws to enable the actual independence, of state electoral commissions to boost confidence in the process.
“So we call on them (National Assembly) to effect these changes, that will make elections more binding on parties.”
A renowned Activist and Special Assistant to the Government on Civil Engagement, Mr. Rex Anighoro, said he monitored the polls in over a dozen local government areas, noting the elections were credible despite allegations of electoral fraud by a section of the public.
“The Elections were free, fair and credible. Elections were conducted, votes were counted, before people were declared winners.”
The Coordinator of Civil Society Organizations in the State Mr. Okezie Odughala, observed the CSO’s would engage the newly elected council Chairmen to effect positive changes in local government administration in the state.
Present at the post-election media chat were representatives of civil society organizations such as; The Initiative for Cultural Heritage, The Alliance for Social Justice and Advocates for Sustainable Development amongst others.
