Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful local government election, with the aim of making the process transparent and credible on both national and international levels.Towards this end, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has been empowered to achieve these goals.
The Governor said that PLASIEC has introduced a seamless, efficient, and credible electronic voter verification system, marking a significant step toward transparency in the state’s electoral process.
Governor Mutfwang made these remarks on Monday during separate meetings with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class Traditional Rulers at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
He underscored the crucial role traditional leaders play in promoting peace and unity across the State and urged them to maintain sustainable peace in their respective domains before, during, and after the elections.
He further called on the traditional rulers to act as stabilizing forces by ensuring that peace prevails and that law and order are upheld during the electoral process. He reassured them that PLASIEC has the necessary independence to conduct credible elections.
Governor Mutfwang described the upcoming local government elections as a litmus test for PLASIEC, not only in Plateau State but also as a model for other states. He commended the Commission for the steps it has already taken to strengthen the electoral process in the state.
He said the meeting was primarily convened to appeal to traditional rulers to use their influence to ensure peaceful conduct among citizens during the elections.
The Governor also urged Plateau citizens to demonstrate their patriotism by turning out in large numbers to vote peacefully. He emphasized that their participation is key to ensuring elections that are fair and acceptable to all.
To facilitate the process, Governor Mutfwang declared a half working day on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, and a work free day on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. This will allow civil servants and other citizens to travel to their communities and exercise their right to vote.
