CLEEN Foundation recommends the Federal Government of Nigeria issues intensify commitment to peaceful elections in the state, and encourage all contestants to abide by the electoral act.
The Executive Director of CLEEN, Dr Benson Olugbuo during the recommendation on the conducts of election security threat assessment of the September 19, Governorship election recently in Abuja called on the need to desist from deploying the military into streets during the elections to avoid heightened militarization of the state that could exacerbate voter apathy.
According to him, CLEEN Foundation further suggests a partnership between Edo State Government and religious leaders, professional bodies, and community leaders to encourage and mobilize members to exercise their rights to vote.
He said the state government is encouraged to sustain public enlightenment programs through town hall meetings, radio, television, and social media on the dangers of cultism and drug abuse to mitigate their consequences for the elections
On security Agencies, he said CLEEN Foundation implores Security Agencies to implement robust and ‘right-sized’ deployment of operatives across the 18 LGAs to ensure efficient security provisioning before, during, and after the election.
“Intensifying surveillance patrols and interdiction operations in high-crime hot spots to deter drug and arms dealings in the state, collaboration with INEC to arrest all violators of the provisions of the Electoral Act, including vote-buying, as well as utilizing the findings of this assessment and others that have provided evidence-based insights on potentials security flashpoints to evolve or fine-tune security incident response plan for the elections, would also prove, most beneficial.
“INEC, CLEEN Foundation recommends the INEC to ensure the early distribution of non-sensitive materials to all LGA headquarters, and make adequate preparation to deliver all other materials promptly on the Election Day for timely commencement of voting.
“Also, provide and appropriately communicate to all stakeholders its platform for ensuring transparent counting, collation, and announcement of results.
“Political Parties are advised to commit to a Peace Agreement to encourage their flag bearers and supports to abide by the provisions of the electoral law, including shunning the use of thugs and provocative speeches.
“Also adequately train their party agents to understand their rights and responsibilities to avoid acts that could compromise INEC officials or the electoral process. Also, partner with the INEC to continuously and properly educate the people as well as counter misinformation, incitation that are capable of dissuading people from voting or triggering violence,”he said .
