Our reporter
Following the peaceful and successful conduct of the October 9 2024 Local Government Elections, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) recently organized a post-election review meeting with various stakeholders in Jos.
The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate the Commission’s performance and explore ways to improve future elections.
Addressing the stakeholders, PLASIEC Chairman, Mr. Plangji Cishak emphasized the importance of the review in assessing all the processes involved in the October 9 elections.
He encouraged stakeholders to provide constructive feedback to the Commission, highlighting the need for collective efforts to ensure inclusivity and transparency in election management.
Mr. Cishak reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, detailing some of the measures implemented before the elections. These included pilot testing of the Voter Verification System in selected wards, training over 22,000 personnel, and engaging in stakeholder consultations, all of which demonstrate the Commission’s dedication to innovation in election management.
Addessing the stakeholders, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arc Samuel Jatau, expressed his pride in PLASIEC’s performance.
Governor Mutfwang noted that the peaceful atmosphere in the aftermath of the elections, particularly in Jos North, was a significant achievement.
He urged political parties and politicians in the state to avoid politics of bitterness, reminding them that “Plateau State is our common denominator, regardless of who won the election. We must be fair to all to maintain a calm political climate.”
He advised PLASIEC to continue its efforts and to plan effectively for future elections.
During the review session with media practitioners, journalists highlighted various challenges they observed before, during, and after the elections.
They called on the Commission to address these issues to further strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
They also emphasized the importance of increased voter education through adequate sensitization and public awareness about the election processes.