#Opinion_Piece
By Ubani Newman Ubani
In a democratic state such as Nigeria’s, elections serve as a veritable process to enthrone new individuals to the corridor of public service. It is also an avenue to renew the mandate of a leader who has performed creditably. More so, it affords the electorate the ample opportunity to oust an unpopular government via the power of the ballot box. Thus making the power of the electorate sacrosanct.
To ensure successful polls, all the participants are duty bound to work earnestly for a peaceful, credible and acceptable elections. This can be achieved through throwing to the waste bins uncivilized and unethical acts that is capable of truncating and derailing the entire electoral process.
The electoral umpire (ABSIEC), should be unbiased, uphold democratic tenets and norms as enshrined in the constitution, most importantly, give an equal level playing ground for all aspirants. In other not to undermine her avowed independent posture.
The security Agents should be coordinative, preoccupying themselves with maintaining peace, order and decorum during and after the electoral processes. They should swoop down the idea of using gun barrels to intimidate voters from exercising their franchise, and perish the intent of becoming a rubber-stamp to any politician or political party. As such, a breach will put the whole electoral process into malady,thereby, defeating the process of the elections ab-initio. The contestants should not perceive elections as a do-or-die affair, rather, they should exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, as no two winners can emerge at same time. It now behoves on the contestants to comport themselves dully before, during and after the elections, and desist from making inflammatory and hate statements capable of questioning the peace in the polity.
Lastly, the electorate on whose back the aspirants will ride to power should not mortgage their future by collecting gifts and financial gratifications in exchange for votes as it portends grievous dire consequences in the long run.
Thus as local government elections are near the corner in Abia state, there is need for all participants to shun violence and embrace peace. This understanding will strengthen peace, cohesion and take Abia state to the halcyon shores.
#AbiaOnline
Comments are closed.