… With political parties, media, civil society organizations and government.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has held a Post-Election Review Parley with political parties, media, civil society organizations and government – aimed to evaluate the October 9th, 2024 local government elections.
“The parley was also aimed to explore ways to improve future electoral processes,” the Chairman of PLASIEC, Hon. Plangji Daniel, disclosed this at Odilin’s Events and Decorations in Jos Plateau State on Wednesday.
While assuring the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the chairman highlighted the steps taken to ensure credible elections, including extensive stakeholder consultations, voter awareness campaigns, and the training of over 22,000 personnel.
According to him, the election featured innovative measures, such as the pilot testing of PLASIEC Voter Verification System in selected wards, showcasing PLASIEC’s drive for modernization.
He said the parley invited constructive feedback to enhance future electoral practices, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building an inclusive and transparent democracy.
In his remarks, Architect Samuel Jatau (Secretary to the Government of the State) commended PLASIEC for conducting peaceful and credible elections, saying, “There is the need for fairness and inclusivity,” while urging the recognition of popular candidates, irrespective of political affiliations.
The SGS further encouraged stakeholders to use the review session as a platform to identify successes and address gaps, reiterating the State Government’s support for strengthening democratic practices.
One of the advisers to the governor and a key stakeholder, Latep Dabang, stated that, there is the need for critical role of transparency in governance, especially in local elections.
He highlighted the issues of political manipulation and one-party dominance, and advocated for collaboration between governments and international bodies to foster democracy.
The SSG equally underscored the importance of “integrity and perseverance,” and urged the leaders to prioritize fairness and responsibility to build trust in electoral systems.
The session concluded with interactive discussions, allowing participants to share perspectives and propose actionable solutions. Stakeholders commended PLASIEC’s commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative efforts, signaling a shared determination to enhance electoral integrity in Plateau State.