EDITORIAL: The task before DSIEC in October 25

 

SATURDAY 25 October 2014 will be a major litmus test for Delta State lndependent Electoral Commission because is a must test for the commission to pass and prove its level of preparedness and readiness to carry on with the conduct of the local government election come 25 October without any form of impediments.

The issue on ground is not about just conducting elections but, the amount of credibility attached to any election is what really matters.

The maturity and transparency displayed by the lndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the past few years has received commendations from Nigerians and some notable voices around the globe especially in the elections conducted in Edo, Ondo, Anambra and with the recent tremendous and wonderful improvement in the just concluded elections in Ekiti and Osun States is a sign of credibility and acceptance by Nigerians. The applause and ovation received by INEC is a welcome development for Nigeria as a nation. It portrays the Federal Government some kind level of sincerity and honesty in some of the reforms being implemented which is an indication that INEC has a future for this country.

It is very sad and disheartening to note that states independent electoral commissions have not lived up to expectations in all the elections conducted by them so far. Reasons being given each time they failed are not cogent enough, making it very absurdity.

From the foregoing, it is very clear and obvious that the wishes and aspirations of the people at the local government level are not being met due to the inability of the states electoral bodies to create a level playing ground for all participating political parties because of biased and undue influenced of the ruling party in their various states. Therefore, the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) must free itself from the whims and caprices of the ruling party to assure the people of Delta State of free and fair election in an atmosphere devoid of acrimony.

While we commend the early release of the elections time table by DSIEC, there is need to use this medium to appeal to the electoral body to live above board and provide a level playing ground for all participating political parties and ensure adequate provision of securities, especially in the volatile areas of the state and also appealed to all political parties participating in the forthcoming local government election to co-operate with the electoral body DSIEC for all Deltans to achieve a free and fair election for once and for all.

Let Delta State lndependent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) set the pace this time for others to emulate.