Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has commended the conduct of the October 9th Local Government elections in the state, describing it as peaceful and well-coordinated.
Governor Mutfwang made the remark on Wednesday after voting at his Pushik 1 polling unit in Ampang West, Mangu Local Government Area at about 9:15am.
He praised the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) for ensuring a seamless electoral process, designed to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.
“The exercise has commenced in earnest,” the Governor said. “As I drove from Jos through Barkin-Ladi to Mangu, I observed enthusiastic voters heading to their polling units to cast their votes.”
Governor Mutfwang reassured the public that their votes would count, expressing satisfaction with the efficiency of the process. “I’m pleased to have cast my vote. The process is smooth and much faster than the BVAS machines used in general elections,” he remarked.
He also expressed confidence that the large turnout of voters would be swiftly managed, given that accreditation and voting were proceeding simultaneously without hitches.
“Due to the peaceful nature of the exercise and the maturity displayed by voters, security personnel have had little to do,” Governor Mutfwang added, noting the transparency of the election process.
He emphasised the need for electoral systems to continually evolve: “The smoothness of this election has taught me that we must remain adaptable regarding technological platforms for elections.
Accreditation is critical to the integrity of any election. Once it is done seamlessly, and people are confident that their votes will count, our electoral process will continue to grow with integrity.”
Meanwhile the local government elections witnessed an impressive turnout, particularly in Jos South, where residents demonstrated their commitment to the electoral process.
Former member of the House of Representatives for Jos South and Jos East Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos expressed optimism after casting his vote at polling unit in Girring Ward.
He emphasised that the local government elections are essential for electing the right leaders. “This is a pivotal moment for our democracy, and I believe these elections will help bring forth capable representatives,” he stated.
The PDP Chairmanship candidate for Jos South, Hon. Silas Dung Patrick expressed happiness, said the turnout was notably impressive. “I am satisfied with the way the elections are unfolding today,” Dung remarked, highlighting the active participation observed across several local government areas by noon.
Despite the overall enthusiasm, some areas reported lower turnout figures. Many voters attributed this to the six-year hiatus in local elections in Plateau State.
As of 12:36 PM, reports from various local government units indicated a positive trend, with many polling stations experiencing high voter turnout. Election monitors observed that the atmosphere was generally peaceful, reflecting a collective desire for democratic participation among the populace.
Local officials and party representatives are optimistic that this election will set a new standard for civic engagement in Plateau State. The enthusiasm seen in Jos South could signal a shift in voter attitudes, potentially leading to greater participation in future elections.
As the day progresses, the successful conduct of these elections may pave the way for a revitalised democratic spirit in the state, with leaders hopeful that this newfound engagement will continue to grow as residents recognise the importance of their voices in shaping local governance.
EkweAnaedo Report that the election was peaceful as there was an impressive turnout in most of the local governments visited.
