Kwara: Ensuring Credibility, Transparency, and Inclusivity; An In-Depth Discussion on the Upcoming LGA Election

By Muideen Adebayo Ibrahim (MAI)

The purpose of this germane write up is to ensure that the forthcoming Local Government Election slated to September 21, 2024 is credible, transparent, fair and all inclusive so that we can have a virile and egalitarian grassroots in Kwara State.

The State government was applauded for deeming it fit to flag off the LG election after various stakeholders agitated for it including yours truly.

As a result, all eyes are now on the State government to ensure that the election is held as promised. Not only that, it must be very transparent, credible and all inclusive as well.

The importance of a transparent, credible and all inclusive Local Government (LG) election cannot be overemphasized and some of which are; vital for ensuring democracy's integrity. Uphold citizens' trust in the electoral process, foster political stability, and promote inclusivity by allowing all eligible voices to be heard. Without these elements, democracy's foundation becomes fragile, risking legitimacy and societal harmony. Not only that, it will affect the grassroots in all ramifications.

Without prejudice, there must be fairness on the part of Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC). The modalities for the conduct of the election must be properly crafted and made available in all the local languages. Not only that, there must be proper information dissemination from time to time.The process must be fair and unbiased.

KWASIEC must as a matter of fact prevent electoral fraud and malpractices as much as possible. The electoral hnpire must in this instance up its game in this regard in order to be above board.

What steps are being taken to verify the eligibility of voters and candidates? This is very key and must as a matter of time be critically looked into.

All hands must be on deck in order to ensure that the voter's register is accurate and up-to-date? Nobody must be disenfranchised.

Transparent Procedures; KWASIEC should endeavour to elaborate on the steps being taken to ensure transparency in the election process. This must be made open for creditability sake please.

How will the results be communicated to the public?

KWASIEC must ensure that the results are communicated to the public real time on time. As such, information communication technology (ICT) must be deployed in this regard.

The roles of independent observers and monitors are very important. So credible independent observers and monitors should be invited for the forthcoming LG election. Because they will play critical roles, make their reports public and this will add a lot of value to the credibility or otherwise of the said election.

Whilst not preempting KWASIEC for a free, fair, transparent and credible election, the necessary machineries should be put in place for Kwarans to report any irregularities they witness during the election whilst prompt and necessary action must be taken to that effect by KWASIEC.

All Kwarans must be encouraged to participate in the election as much as possible. So there should be enlightenment campaigns and information dissemination from now on.

The umpire should please
address potential barriers to voting for people with disabilities, women, and youths so that no one would be disenfranchised.

Community Engagement across board is very important and KWASIEC should put necessary machinery in motion with respect to this. Community leaders, various political parties and civil society organizations should be included in this regard as well.

Cybersecurity initiative; what measures are in place to protect the election from cyber threats? How is voter data being safeguarded? There questions are very critical and as a result, KWASIEC must employ the services of credible cybersecurity experts in order to forestall any unpalatable story.

It is an established fact that the Chairmanship Aspirants are too numerous and only Sixteen of them would be chosen out of the multitude. All of them should play by the rules, they should campaign on issues and what they will offer the people at the grassroots. They should avoid campaign of culmuny so that the election can be peaceful. Kwarans will decide and they should endeavour to vote. The success of the forthcoming elections lies with all the stakeholders. So let's ensure that the election is free, fair, credible, transparent, all inclusive and devoid of any malpractice. So all hands must be on deck.

Long Live Kwara State!