The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has assured residents of its complete readiness to conduct a peaceful, transparent, and credible local government election across the state on Saturday.
The Chairman of the commission, Mr. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, gave this assurance while addressing a news conference on Thursday in Benin City.
Aifuobhokhan stated that the commission had concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure the poll is free, fair, inclusive, and in line with constitutional requirements and international best practices.
He disclosed that 10,000 ad hoc staff had been successfully recruited and thoroughly trained for the exercise, adding that they possess the required competence and professionalism to deliver a successful election.
The EDSIEC boss confirmed that all sensitive and non-sensitive election materials had been produced, inspected, sorted, and packaged for distribution. These materials have been allocated to the various local government offices according to wards and polling units, with detailed schedules developed for timely deployment.
Special arrangements have also been made to ensure that voters in riverine and difficult-to-reach communities are not disenfranchised during the exercise.
Voting is expected to commence at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m., with results to be transmitted manually as approved.
“Our logistics are ready, transportation arrangements are complete, personnel have been adequately trained, and security coordination has been concluded. Communication systems are also operational,” Aifuobhokhan assured.
He urged all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, to conduct themselves peacefully and respect the electoral process.
The chairman expressed confidence that the commission’s thorough preparations would result in an election that truly reflects the will of the people of Edo State.