LG Election: PLASCER Expresses Displeasure Over Postponement

Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Plateau State Coalition on Electoral Reforms and Good Governance (PLASCER) has expressed displeasure over the indefinite postponement of the proposed local government election in Plateau state by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC.

Members Of Coalition At The Press Briefing Today

This was contained in a press release signed by the body’s interim Chairman, Mr. Japhet Philip and Mr. Nelson Ananze, the Acting Director of the Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP) today, exclusively obtained by CityMirrorNews correspondent.

The election was earlier scheduled for 17 February, 2018 before its postponement by PLASIEC citing unfavorable security report as basis for the indefinite postponement.

The coalition was “deeply displeased with the inability of PLASIEC to conduct the elections as planned due to failure of government to guarantee the constitutional provision of security of lives and property, a fundamental reason for which it does exist”.

They urged “Plateau state government and PLASIEC to act responsively by taking proactive measures in providing the secure atmosphere needed for the conduct of a free, fair, credible, acceptable and violence-free local government elections as soon as possible so that Plateau citizens will not be perpetually denied their constitutional rights of service delivery that would enhance good governance at the third tier of government which is closest to the people”.

They advised PLASIEC to “as a matter of urgency and priority work on a new date for the conduct of the postponed local government elections and make it known to the general public to give Plateau citizens a renewed hope in the independence of the Election Management Body and to boost citizens’ confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property”.

However, PLASCER did not disagreed with the reasons cited by PLASIEC for the postponement of the local government elections noting that “our interest is to protect, promote, defend and deepen our democracy in accordance with the letters of our constitution and international best practices.

They “urged the Plateau State Government to respect democratic tenet by allowing the citizens to choose their representatives at the Local Government level”.

PLASCER is a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the Media, Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), specialized groups like Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Women, Youth and community stakeholders across the three senatorial zones of Plateau state.

It is part of the Action Plan of the
State level Campaign Planning Meeting aimed at focussing on the obstacles and shortcomings of the Nigerian Electoral System.

The coalition’s mandate is to promote Electoral Reforms in Plateau State in particular, and Nigeria in general with a view to strengthen the democratic institutions and citizens’ engagement in electoral processes.