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RIVERS LGA ELECTIONS: Observer groups Organise Press Conference... Says Electorates Are Ready For The Elections (READ FULL TEXT)



ACCREDITED ELECTION OBSERVERS FOR A PRE-ELECTION CONFERENCE FOR THE RIVERS STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION AHEAD OF 16TH JUNE 2018
PREAMBLE
Democratic elections are means whereby the people give legitimacy to their representative through the ballots.  In Rivers State, the fact that the Rivers State Independence Electoral Commission ( RSIEC) is saddled with the responsibilities of organizing and conducting local government election with respect to all relevant electoral laws, (RSIEC) having scheduled to conduct her election in the state on 16th June, 2018.
The Accredited Election Observers for the forthcoming local government is committed to strengthening democratic values and promoting good governance in Rivera State. Hence, as part of our civic responsibility we are of the conclusion to make known our pre-election observation to the good people of Rivers State through this pre-election conference.
However, prior to our pre-observation the followings were put in consideration.
1.      We were able to ascertain the level of the preparedness of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) towards ensuring credible and transparent election in the state especially in providing a level playing ground for all political parties to participate.
2.      The readiness of the electorates for the elections particularly in voters’ awareness.
3.      The number of permanent voters card (PVC) issued in the state.
4.      We were also able to ascertain the security situation in the state ahead of the local government elections.
5.      The inclusion of the Civil Society Organizations in the daily routine of RSIEC in area of political socialization.

OUR OBSERVATION:
After due consultation with relevant stakeholders in the state, that includes the Chief Security Officer of the State, Security Agencies, RSIEC, Political Parties, Religions/Traditional leaders, Civil Society Groups based in Rivers, various unions, leaders etc our observation are as follows.
1.      The state Government and the various security agencies in the state have been able to set a formidable security structure that guarantees the safety of lives and property during and after the election in the state. Hence, it is our earnest advice that they should be professionals in the discharge of their duties.
2.      The electorates in Rivers State are fully ready for the election as over 70% have collected their PVCS and wish to use same for the election.
3.      RSIEC is seriously training her personnel Ad-Hoc Staf, etc and is also putting finishing touches in their preparation for the election. It is indeed very remarkable to conclude that RSIEC is fully ready for the election in the state comes 16th June 2018.
4.      The level of voter’s awareness and mobilization by RSIEC for the election is very encouraging as they are seriously committed to voter’s education.
5.      We noted that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission is resolute, transparent and committed in conducting credible, free and fair election in Rivers State, hence, providing a level playing ground for all political parties in the state. They are seriously disseminating information that will lead to credible election across the LGAs.
RECOMMENDATION
1.    Political parties should go about their campaign with messages of peace and good governance rather than engage in confrontation, criticism and hate speeches.

2.   The various security agencies in the state should commit more effort in ensuring that areas boys or political thugs are not found within the polling centers.
3. Political parties should be committed in training their electoral field officers, party agents  supervisors etc within the context of our relevant electoral laws and code of conduct of the commission.
4. It is evidently clear that the electorates in Rivers State are ready for the election , therefore, the state government, RSIEC, the various security agencies and other political stakeholders in the state should ensure that the election are held as schedule on Sat 16th June, 2018 without any postponement.
5. The state media houses have shown commitment in promoting peaceful co-existence among Rivers people. However, they should be more professional and objective in discharging their duties especially on reporting on each electoral activity as their report may either promote or mar the entire exercise.
6. Political parties should ensure that a wide spread presence of their party agents are in all the polling units for effective party representation and coverage.
7. We recommend that those engaging on violent, confrontation, criticism and hate speeches should henceforth keep away from such anti-social behaviours for the sake of sustaining our democracy.






         COMMENDATION
1.    We commend the various security agencies in the state for their assurance of providing a secured and peaceful environment during and after the election. We urge them to go about their duties with civic mindedness and they should not for any reasons harass and intimidate the voters or interfere in the electioneering process because is not their duty to do so.
2.   We must not fail to give kudos to the state government, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission ( RSIEC),  the good people of Rivers State and other committed stakeholders for their collective effort of ensuring peaceful co-existence in the state.
3.   We urge good people of Rivers State to come out in mass on Saturday 16th June, 2018 to vote for the candidates of their choice.
Finally, we urge our entire colleagues, especially the accredited election observers who are scared of participating in election that should not be afraid and should come in with all confidence to observe the election as  Rivers State is safe and peaceful
Thanks and God bless you.

Amb. Emma Nkweke                                   Com. Chidi Chielo
Nigeria Vote Count Campaigners                         Youth Campaign against thurggery & Electoral Malpractices 

AMB. Moses Ebahor
Rural Empowerment & Peace Advocacy initiative  


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