Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission Affirms Participation of 18 Political Parties in Local Government Council Elections

IBADAN - The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has affirmed the participation of 18 registered political parties in the April 27th, 2024 Local Government Council Elections of the state.

The Chairman of the Commission, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN, while featuring on a television program on Tuesday in Ibadan, said the commission had received names of candidates vying for different positions from their parties.

He hinted that the commission is on the verge of conducting screening for candidates to confirm their eligibility, which, he said, would be in batches.

He lauded the political parties on conduct of peaceful primaries, urging them to replicate such during election campaigns.

On the possibilities of having electronic voting during the poll, Olagunju said there is no provision for electronic voting in the current local government electoral law of the state.

He added that electronic voting can only be possible if the Oyo state house of assembly ascent to the reviewed law presented to the house by OYSIEC, probably by the end of October 2023.

Olagunju explained that the commission will continue to engage political parties and other stakeholders in the state in its quest to build on the success recorded in the 2021 elections.

His words: "All the 18 registered political parties in the state have forwarded the names of their candidates to us, this time, we are happy because there is no case at the tribunal on Party primaries compared to 2021.

"We are going to communicate with the political parties on screening of candidates.

"We are appealing to everyone to embrace peace because we are one, elections will come and go, let's stay away from intimidation and harassment in any form but make election campaign to be objective.

"We also appeal to residents of the state to participate in the local government councils election just like that of the president and governor as we strive to conduct free, fair, transparent and credible elections by 2024.

"The commission is in good term with the security agencies and relevant stakeholders to have a credible election."

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has announced that 18 registered political parties will be participating in the upcoming Local Government Council Elections scheduled for April 27th, 2024. The commission, under the leadership of Chairman Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN, expressed its satisfaction with the conduct of peaceful primaries by the political parties.

The main focus now shifts to the screening of the candidates to confirm their eligibility for the positions they are vying for. The commission plans to conduct the screenings in batches, ensuring a thorough examination of each candidate. This step is essential in upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to contest.

Olagunju also addressed the topic of electronic voting in the upcoming elections. He clarified that the current local government electoral law of the state does not provide for electronic voting. To introduce electronic voting, the Oyo State House of Assembly would need to approve the revised law presented by OYSIEC. This process is expected to be completed by the end of October 2023, allowing enough time for preparations.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of peaceful election campaigns and urged the political parties to replicate the peaceful conduct observed during the primaries. He called upon all stakeholders to embrace peace and refrain from intimidation and harassment. Olagunju highlighted that elections may come and go, but unity amongst the people should remain.

Oyingbo residents are encouraged to actively participate in the local government council elections, as their voices and votes matter in shaping the future of their communities. The commission aims to deliver free, fair, transparent, and credible elections by 2024.

In conclusion, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission is committed to building on the success achieved during the 2021 elections. They maintain a good working relationship with security agencies and relevant stakeholders, recognizing the importance of collaboration in ensuring a credible electoral process.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-07 News

More detailed, more comprehensive, fresher news, please visit OOO NEWS.