Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has assured Lagosian of a free, fair and credible poll, saying that every machinery has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free local government election.
Speaking ahead of today’s election, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Retd), Chairman of LASIEC, said that the commission is fully prepared to conduct one of the best local government elections in the history of the state, adding that every necessary measure had been taken to guarantee the integrity of the process.
“This is to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering a free, fair, credible, inclusive, and peaceful Local Government election. On Saturday, July 12 (today), Lagosians across the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs of the state will go out to cast their votes to choose their leaders at the Local Government level as part of the orderly transfer of power in a democratic manner.
“57 Chairmanship positions are being contested for as well as 57 Vice Chairmanship positions and 376 Councillorship positions to be contested for while the Elections will be held in all the 13,325 polling Units across the State. The total number of registered voters stands at 7,060,195. Number of PVC collected is 6,214,970, Number of PVC uncollected is 845,225.
“The total number of registered political parties is 19, with 15 participating. The voting process starts at 8 am and ends at 3 pm, while those in the queue by 3 pm shall be attended to. The development that leads to a free, fair and credible election starts with the promotion of public confidence and trust in the process. The commission is religiously following the implementation within the ambit of the law. We have taken comprehensive steps in line with our constitutional mandate and electoral guidelines to ensure a seamless process.”
The chairman also promised the electorate and residents adequate security beyond the exercise.
“Members of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, shall be the first responders, while the joint Military patrol – OP MESSA shall equally be on standby. The commission is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a successful, free, fair and credible election that is devoid of violence, intimidation, or harassment,” she assured.
The chairman also appealed to all the contestants to uphold democratic values and conduct themselves with decorum, maturity, and respect for the rule of law.
