As the State of Anambra gears up for its upcoming local government elections in 26 days time, the stage is set for a showdown between political parties as they vie for control and representation at the grassroots level.
The election, slated for September 28, 2024, will be the first after over one decade; coincidentally under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and political pundits have already started to speculate on its outcome.
Having finalized the date and other modalities by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, various political parties have hit the ground running, campaigning and strategising to win over voters.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which currently holds all the seats in the state, is expected to face strong opposition from other contenders, but there are very strong indicators that it’ll continue to retain its pride of place in the state.
One of the key issues that the electorate will be looking for is good governance. Many residents of Anambra state are very happy with the current state of affairs in the state, judging by the enormous success stories of massive infrastructure upgrade, youth employment, and adequate health care, as well as other social amenities.
As such, candidates who can articulate a clear vision for improving the quality of life for the people are likely to receive greater support. In this regard, APGA, led by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is the champion. The “people’s manifesto” aptly captures the “future Anambra”; and the present administration is vigorously pursuing its implementation.
Candidates have been reaching out to interest groups across the state, from traditional rulers to civil society organisations, to build support for their campaigns. Over the years, this has been a major strategy employed by APGA, which has made significant inroads into many communities.
Certainly, APGA’s dominance is not in any way threatened by the effects of the ongoing family skirmishes in the party as the party is currently embroiled in a battle for control. Despite this, the party continues to wax stronger with each passing day.
Another issue likely to feature prominently in the election is security. Anambra has witnessed a spate of violent attacks in recent months. Candidates who can promise to join Governor Soludo in addressing the security challenges in the state are likely to gain more traction among voters.
Despite these challenges, ANSIEC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free and fair election in Anambra. The commission has promised to deploy state-of-the-art technology to enhance the transparency of the process and has called on stakeholders to support its efforts.
Observers have also called for a level playing field for all parties, including strict enforcement of electoral laws and the provision of adequate security measures. They have emphasised the need for peaceful conduct by all parties.
Several initiatives have been implemented to educate the electorate on their rights and responsibilities during the election. The Anambra State Government and other organisations have held sensitisation programmes, town hall meetings and other events aimed at empowering voters and promoting civic engagement.
One of the unique features of the upcoming election is the use of certain novel measures to enhance the participation of residents in the process.
This, coupled with the use of manual means, is expected to enhance the credibility of the process and reduce the incidence of electoral malfeasance. ANSIEC has stated that the processes are tamper-proof and will prevent malpractices.
In addition, the commission has promised to deploy adequate personnel, including security personnel, to safeguard the voting process and ensure the safety of voters and officials. The success of these measures will be critical to the outcome of the election.
As Anambra braces for the local government elections, the stakes are high, with political parties and candidates vying for control and representation at the grassroots level. Good governance, security, and other social amenities will be key issues on which candidates will be judged, while the role of certain measures in enhancing transparency and participation cannot be overlooked.
Ultimately, the success of the election will rest on the ability of all stakeholders, including ANSIEC, political parties, candidates, and voters, to play their part in ensuring a peaceful and credible process. Only then can Anambra take another huge step towards a new era of improved governance and development at the local level.
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