Delta Women During Election Sensitiztion Education by NGO in Warri Recently (Photo By Ndokwa Reporters)
WARRI/Nigeria: Civil Society Organizations under the aurgies of Delta State Civil Society Coalition on Elections (DCCE) has commended Deltans for the observed sanity among the political parties and politicians in the state in the area of election violence.
The commendation was made by the group, which is made up of several non-governmental organisations in the state, after their meeting in Warri, on Friday January 5, 2018.
In a press release, made available to Ndokwa Reporters, the various pre-election reports, it had been observed the level of violence during elections in the state, has greatly reduced, and advised that such level of sanity be maintained during and after the 2018 Local Government Elections.
“Various pre-election intelligence, security, and other stakeholders observations on the issue of violence and activities of anti – democratic forces that has led to political violence in the past LG elections have been reduced.”
“We commend the political parties for the level of tolerance, security agencies for maintaining law and order and civil society organisations for their role in sensitizing electorates on voters’ education and contributing to a relative peaceful and stable pre-election environment”.
They however prayed that such existing sanity be maintained during and after the election.
“We are quite impressed with the low level of violence and hope it is maintained throughout the electioneering period and beyond”.
The statement however pointed out that in preparation to the 2018 election, the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, (DEISEC) failed to carry the Civil Societies Along in their planning and activities.
“The Coalition further observed the total ‘black out’ of Civil Society groups based in Delta State and even those who attempted to get accreditation were denied. We believe this is against the spirit of democratic fair play by DSIEC”.
The group also pointed out the low level of political activities by some registered political parties, as they pointed out that voters mobilization is key to fighting voters apathy and ensuring popular participation of the electorates.
“The Coalition is however concerned over the low level of political activities by most participating political parties. We believe that voter mobilization is key to fighting voter apathy and ensuring popular participation of the electorates”.
The called on the political parties to shun any form of electoral violence, but should respect the various laws of electioneering in the state, as this will reduce tension and promote a healthy competition among the candidates of the various political parties.
The meeting further called on Call on eligible voters resident in the State to actively participate in line with their civil and political rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights including other international instruments, to come out early to vote for candidates of their choice and make their vote count
“DSIEC to provide a level playing field for all contestants and promote inclusive process for other stakeholders particularly civil society and the media.”
“Residents, particularly young persons to refrain from being used as political thugs by politicians in the forth – coming LG Elections”.
“Further call on participating political parties to shun violence and play by the rules of context established in the Electoral Act 2010 (As amended) and DSIEC electoral guidelines”
“Urge security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities and ensure neutrality in the conduct of their affairs and ensure that they protect both voters, contestants, election observers and journalists”.
