ABSIEC promises fairness in Abia LG poll

Ahead of the  November 2, 2024 local government election in Abia State, the state’s Independent Electoral Commission has pledged to ensure a fair and credible process.

The Chairman of ABSIEC, Prof. George Chima, gave the assurance on Saturday, while unveiling the electoral timetable during a meeting with the 19 political parties in the state, security officials, the members of the state House of Assembly.

During the LG poll, Abia people will be electing 184 chairmen and councillors for the 17 LGAs in the state.

Addressing the parties, the ABSIEC Chairman said, “We all understand the importance of having a democratic system of governance in the local governments, being the grassroots where the majority of the governed reside. Proper attention should be paid to ensuring a credible system of electing the operators of the system.

“The essence of this meeting is to assure you of the commission’s true desire and determination to ensure that the right things are done the right way. In the past, there was apprehension regarding the impartiality of the umpires in the discharge of this onerous responsibility, but our commitment to ushering in true democratic principles in our system remains pivotal.

“The present commission is made up of men and women of integrity and outstanding pedigree, committed to changing the narrative. Our assurance to you is that the 2024 elections into our various Local Government Councils will no longer be business as usual. The commission is highly determined to make the elections free, fair, and credible, and to ensure that they are seen as such.”

He called on all stakeholders to ensure that contestants and political parties play according to the rules, adding that this will complement the commission’s efforts to achieve the common goal of effective and credible governance.

However, political parties present at the meeting raised concerns about the credibility of the council members, the non-disclosure of the cost of forms, the failure to include parties, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council, in the planning of the timetable, and the lateness of the notice.

While fielding questions afterward, the ABSIEC Chairman was unable to provide the budgetary estimate for the election.

He also stated that all “conventional and unconventional security apparatuses” would be used to conduct the elections, and that further guidelines would provide details on the cost of election forms.