By Praise Chinecherem
INTERNATIONAL Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) has restated its commitment to free, fair, credible and peaceful Anambra State Local Government Elections come September 28, 2024.
President and Coordinator accredited Observers, Prince Chris Azor in a statement urged political parties and candidates to commit to promotion of peaceful conduct, stakeholder engagement and non violence.
He also charged security agencies to maintain neutrality, fairness and impartiality while preserving human rights and rule of law.
Azor further enjoined eligible voters to exercise their franchise peacefully without let or hindrance, while refraining from any act contrary to electoral law and code of conduct.
The statement reads, “We the accredited Observers Commit to Free, fair, Credible and Peaceful Anambra State Local Government Election*
“As accredited observers for the forthcoming Anambra State local government election, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral process.
“We pledge to ensure Impartial and independent observation. Adherence to extant electoral laws, rules and guidelines.
“Promotion of voter education and awareness, observation of voting procedures and counting processes.
Accurate reporting of incidents, malpractices and irregularities. And utmost good faith and impartiality.
“The election management body Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has demonstrated full preparedness and commitment to integrity of the entire exercise.
“We hereby, urge Political Parties and candidates to commit to Promotion of peaceful conduct, Stakeholder engagement and non violence.
“Security agencies should maintain neutrality, fairness and impartiality while preserving human rights and rule of law.
“Eligible voters need to exercise their franchise peacefully without let or hindrance, while refraining from any act contrary to electoral law and code of conduct.
“Accredited election Observers while playing their role should observe
voter verification, voting procedures, Counting, tabulation of results, collation and declaration by ANSIEC.
“They are obligated to conform to observers’ code of conduct, eschew any form of interference with the electoral process and submit independent report at the end of the exercise.
“Our organization shall mobilize Observers across the State, and set up a Situation Room in Awka, capital City for real time coordination and timely reportage for desired result.
“We call on all stakeholders to be mindful of the long road to this democratic process, after over ten years absence of democracy at the local government level.
“We are therefore, enjoined to avoid any act that would undermine the process and take us backwards.”
