We’re ready for Saturday’s LG polls – PLASIEC chairman, Cishak
Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Plangji Daniel Cishak, has expressed the readiness of the commission to conduct a free and fair election on Saturday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jos on Friday, the chairman said that the commission met all the timelines it set for the election, except one, which was disrupted by the nationwide protest against bad governance.
He said, “As we build up to the October 9 elections, I want to reaffirm our solemn promise to the people of Plateau State: we are committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.”
He described the exercise as unique because of the commitment of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in ensuring that the election was equitable, free, fair and devoid of any rancour.
He said that the Governor has respected the commission’s operational independence.
The PLASIEC chairman also expressed appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Plateau State, saying that PLASIEC has leaned on their expertise in conducting elections.
“As many of you know, I was a staff member of INEC before my appointment. Their doors have always been open to me, providing invaluable advice and support. I am extremely grateful for this partnership, which demonstrates their interest in progressive development.
“Furthermore, the extensive collaboration we have received from stakeholders at various levels—including traditional rulers, members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, elders, security agencies, youth and women’s groups, and election observers—has been instrumental in ensuring we remain faithful to our commitments.
“I want to express our deep appreciation to all interest groups and citizens who have contributed to this process.
“Other key organization such as the International Foundation for Electorial Systems (IFES), the Nigeria Medical Association, Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA), and YIAGA Africa among others have played significant roles that ensured our stability in the past three months.
“We are counting on their support as we press towards October 9.
Cishak said that because of the experience PLASIEC had gathered in the course of the preparation for the election, it hoped to establish an electoral institute.
According to him, “Such an institute is vital for creating a pool of resource persons for subsequent elections, enhancing our electoral processes and outcomes.”
He added, “Another important component of our desire to expand is the vision to create zonal stores across the three senatorial zones of the state to enhance efficiency in the distribution of election materials in the future.
“Additionally, PLASIEC is gearing up to build prototype offices across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state instead of allowing the Local Governments to rent on behalf of PLASIEC. This is a crucial step in our desire to bridge our gap with the rural communities in the state and build the people’s confidence.”
“While we remain committed to our futuristic goals, we are equally determined to maintain and improve the quality of facilities we meet on the ground.
“Looking ahead, I am excited to announce that we are fully prepared for the upcoming elections. Our readiness was recently tested through successful mock elections held on September 28, 2024, across six selected Local Government Areas in the three senatorial zones: Wase, Shendam, Pankshin, Mangu, Riyom, and Jos North.
“In Wase, we utilized the Danbiram Ward and Wase Primary School as polling units; Shendam featured Pangwasa Ward and Naburuk; Pankshin included Dokpai Ward and Ngolong Ban; Mangu utilized Ampang West Ward and Pushit I; Riyom saw Shonong Ward and LWA Primary School; and Jos North had Angwan Rogo/Rimi Ward and Ungwan Rogo Primary School.
“This mock election was the first of its kind and witnessed a significant turnout of voters. The event followed standard electoral procedures, including the deployment of staff and materials, the setup of polling units, queuing, checking voter registers, and verifying voters through our newly developed technological initiative of our ICT team branded the Voter Verification System (VVS). The feedback from both officials and voters was overwhelmingly positive, confirming our preparedness to conduct credible elections.
“The VVS proved effective in verifying voter identities, ensuring a smooth process without significant delays.”
Cishak said that PLASIEC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with state tertiary institutions for the display of voter registers across the 4,989 polling units in the state.
“This is the first time in history that such a courageous step has been taken.
He reminded political parties tth October marked the end of campaigns by all political parties at 12 midnight, while 11 political parties will be contesting in this election, and we anticipate their full participation in the democratic process.
