The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has started delivering important election materials to 4,758 polling units across the state. Today, 17 out of 19 registered political parties are participating in the election process which takes places today, Saturday 21 September, 2024.
ISIEC chairman, Charles Ejiogu, explained in a recent meeting with journalists that distributing the materials today helps protect them from being damaged or destroyed. He also mentioned that this precaution extends to the voters’ register, as previous elections have seen some individuals tearing down the register when it is displayed before the election day.
Ejiogu stated that the commission is ready to conduct a fair election to choose 27 local council chairmen and 305 councilors who will serve for the next two years. He emphasized that, according to the Establishment Law No. 14 of 2000, the commission is dedicated to providing a credible election process for the people of Imo State.
This election will be the fourth one organized by the ISIEC since its formation. Ejiogu acknowledged that while the commission face some challenges, they are manageable and have taken steps to address them. He noted that on June 16, they publicly shared guidelines for the election and promised to ensure a fair environment for all political parties involved.
The commission recognizes the importance of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which oversees all political parties in the country. Ejiogu stated that the election process is continuous and that all political stakeholders should see themselves as part of it.
The current exercise covers all 4,758 polling units in the state, and the commission encourages voters to participate without fear of intimidation. Ejiogu highlighted that the ISIEC has been in constant communication with various political parties to maintain fairness throughout the process.
He also expressed gratitude to the media for their professional coverage of the commission’s activities, considering them reliable partners in ensuring a credible election.
Regarding security, Ejiogu informed that the commission has met with various security agencies to ensure everything runs smoothly during the elections. However, he confirmed that elections will not take place in certain areas, such as Okigwe, Onuimo, Orsu, Orlu, and parts of Mbano, due to security concerns.
