PORT HARCOURT – Civil Society Organisations on the aegis of Rivers Civil Society Organisations (RVCSO) have demanded a level playing field for all candidates in the forthcoming Local Government Elections.
RVCSO who made their position known during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, also advocated for equal opportunities for all political parties in terms of accessing campaign financing, media coverage, and voter access.
Speaking, the Chairman, Rivers State Civil Society Organisation, Enefaa Georgewill sternly condemned candidates imposition in the forthcoming elections billed for October 5, 2024, accusing the Action Peoples Party in the state of imposing some of its candidates.
Georgewill said: “We urge the Rivers State Independent electoral commission to ensure a level playing ground for all political parties, guaranteeing equal opportunities for campaign financing, media coverage, and voter access.
“We call upon RISIEC and political parties to uphold internal democratic principles, promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in their decision-making processes. This election is key to the development and progress of our communities. Hence, we condemn any form of imposition of candidates on the people.
“We particularly condemn the way and manner the Action Peoples Party conducted their primaries. It was more of an imposition, than an election.”
The CSOs while reeling out their demands for the coming election, expressed willingness to help the electoral body engender a violence and intimidation free polls.
“We condemn any form of violence, intimidation, or harassment and urge all stakeholders to commit to peaceful elections.
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“We believe that these demands are crucial for strengthening our democracy in the state and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard. We will continue to engage with political parties, the Rivers state electoral commission, and other stakeholders to promote these values.”
RIVSCO also called on the state Commissioner of Police to do it’s best to be professional and neutral in the elections, urging candidates to engage the electorates with their plans and programmes, advising residents of the state to only vote for candidates with developmental programmes.
“We call on the Commissioner of Police to provide security for the election and display high level professionalism and neutrality in the election.
“We call on political parties and candidates to tell Rivers people their developmental program and manifestoes. It’s worrying that in less than two weeks to the election, candidates are yet to do vigorous campaigning.
“We call on the people to vote out any political party or candidate that refuse to engage them with their developmental programs.”
The group expressed their solidarity with the Independent Electoral Commission in conducting a free and fair polls, urging RSIEC to carry out comprehensive voter education programmes to enhance civic awareness and participation.
“We support the independence and impartiality of the electoral commission, ensuring its ability to conduct free and fair elections.
“We advocate for comprehensive voter education programs to enhance civic awareness and participation.
We propose a thorough review of the electoral process to identify areas for improvement.”
