In preparation for the impending governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has announced the launch of an Election Results Monitoring System (ERMS).
The council emphasised the importance of fair and credible elections in maintaining trust in the democratic system during a press conference hosted by IPAC’s national chairman, Engr Yabagi Y. Sani.
To address concerns about potential faults or manipulation in electoral procedures, IPAC introduced the ERMS intervention, which was given to the INEC chairman, the 19 national chairs, and state gubernatorial candidates.
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“In particular, the candidates have been told that they can utilise the ERMS even after the election. The ERMS Collation module is ready to commence operation on 11 Nov 2023 and can display the results on www. ipac.ng/erms. The PU results will not be real-time online, but the collated results will be ahead of those of INEC at the Ward, LG, and State Collation Centres,” Sani said.
He stated that IPAC’s creative involvement will boost citizens’ trust in our electoral procedures and give political parties with first-hand election results.
“However, political parties have to be more patriotic because the activities of political actors perceived to be corrupt and prioritising personal gain over the public good fuels disillusionment and cynicism, which pose significant challenges to the functioning of democracy,” he said.
He stated that a healthy democracy is dependent on citizens actively participating, making educated decisions, and having faith in governing institutions. Rebuilding trust, he underlined, requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including government leaders, civil society, and the media.
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He argued that combating insecurity, ensuring transparent electoral processes, and holding political actors accountable for their actions are critical steps in restoring trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
He went on to say that it is everyone’s obligation to work towards creating a political environment that fosters trust, encourages civic involvement, and ultimately strengthens the nation’s democratic foundation.
“Furthermore, empowering citizens to participate in the democratic process actively is key to ensuring the integrity of elections. It’s crucial for the people of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi to take control of their destinies and resist any actions that could undermine the democratic principles that should guide the electoral process.
“Thuggery, vote buying, and rigging are detrimental to the democratic process and can erode the trust that citizens have in their elected representatives. By resisting these negative influences, citizens can contribute to creating a fair and transparent electoral environment,” he said.
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He emphasised the need of selecting leaders based on merit, vision, and potential impact on the community. He underlined the importance of citizens prioritising candidates who legitimately represent their interests and are committed to the welfare and development of their respective states.
He remarked that they can ensure that their votes help to elect leaders who are devoted to improving their lives and communities.
“Citizens should be proactive in shaping the future of the nation. Grassroots involvement is fundamental to the success of any democracy. By disregarding the negative tactics of political actors and focusing on making informed choices, citizens can contribute to the establishment of a robust and accountable democratic system in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi by their conduct in the forthcoming election,” he said.
He strongly recommended INEC to work diligently with security services, asking them to follow the rules of engagement and resist the temptation to be swayed by desperate politicians.
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He stressed that security agencies’ involvement in the electoral process should be distinguished by professionalism, objectivity, and a dedication to safeguarding our democracy, rather than by partisan objectives.
He underlined the necessity of citizens feeling secure in their participation in the political process, and assuring their safety and security.
Furthermore, he emphasised the significance of INEC assuring the timely and secure distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to various polling locations.
“Delays or mishandling of these materials can lead to suspicion and undermine the credibility of the entire election. We must work collaboratively to guarantee that these materials reach their destinations without any hitches.
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“As we go into these off-season elections, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of democracy, fairness, and transparency. The challenges we face are not insurmountable, but they require a collective effort from all stakeholders involved in the electoral process,” he said.
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