DELTA STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ELECTION UPDATE 14-07-24
By Sadiq Aminu As the results of the Delta State local government elections are being awaited, an independent non governmental organization, The Alright Foundation, has expressed concern over the irregularities that characterized the conduct of the elections held in twenty five local government areas of the State.
The Foundation which was one of the accredited observers for the elections, highlighted the irregularities to include late arrival of electoral materials and the ad hoc personnel of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, delay in commencement of the exercise, and disenfranchisement of many voters.
The Independent Observer called on the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission to review and update its guidelines to be more inclusive of persons with disabilities.
It commended the electoral body for taking prompt action in creating a window for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in its electoral process.
Briefing newsmen in Asaba, the Programme Manager of the Foundation, Mr Adeolu Kilanko said the creation of new polling units by the electoral body was inadequately communicated to the electorate, leading to voter disenfranchisement at Uzoigwu Primary School, West end Ward, Oshimili South local government area.
Mr Kilanko started further that many eligible voters were unable to reach several of the distant newly created polling units due to the restricted movement policy during the election.
He said there was a significant decline in voters turn out for the elections, due to what he described as diminished confidence in the electoral process.
Mr Kilanko hinted that several eligible persons with disabilities could not exercise their franchise due to poor communication on the part of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission.
Meanwhile, Senior Communication Manager, TAF Africa, Lynn Agwuncha has urged the electoral body to improve its logistical arrangements and ensure accessible polling units and timely, clear communication regarding any changes in polling locations.
Ms Agwuncha called on the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission to incorporate best practices to facilitate assisted voting including the provision of ramps, braille materials, and trained personnel to assist voters with disabilities in line with the provisions for persons with disabilities in the 2022 Electoral Act.
She stressed the need for the electoral body to engage in consistent dialogue with the electorate to restore confidence in the electoral process.
While expressing the commitment of The Alright Foundation to advocating the rights and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all electoral processed, the Senior Communication Manager of the Foundation called for immediate action to address the irregularities, and ensure a more inclusive, efficient and transparent electoral process in future elections.