Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) accredited as election observers for the Kano State native authorities elections reported on the conduct of the polls.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the group famous the peaceable nature of the elections, held regardless of challenges such because the absence of safety personnel and conflicting court docket judgments main as much as the occasion.
Led by Comrade Victor Kalu, Director of Grassroots Growth and Peace Initiative, the coalition of 88 CSOs shared their observations on the polls, held on October 26, 2024.
“The Kano State Native Authorities election really befell as scheduled, and was usually peaceable regardless of the stress created by conflicting court docket judgments and the absence of police presence throughout the 44 native authorities areas,” Kalu acknowledged.
Regardless of the shortage of a safety presence, Kalu noticed a excessive voter turnout, noting, “Regardless of the confusion created by the court docket judgments and the absence of the police, voter turnout for the election was impressively excessive in comparison with earlier native authorities elections within the state.”
He additionally famous that residents adhered to the non-movement directive, including, “The participation of the Kano residents within the election train was fairly spectacular.”
Nevertheless, the CSOs identified sure logistical challenges. “There have been late arrivals of election supplies at some polling items, particularly in Ungogo LGA,” Kalu talked about.
He additionally famous points like low voter turnout in sure areas, together with Fagge and Ungogo, and noticed that some election personnel lacked enough coaching in election administration, information entry, end result tabulation, and record-keeping.
Kalu highlighted the importance of the native authorities elections, stating, “The native authorities election is essential as it’s closest to the general public, and the Supreme Court docket’s ruling on monetary autonomy for native governments made it crucial for the state to conduct the elections to keep away from forfeiting its allocation.”
In a associated occasion, the CSOs formally submitted their election report back to the Kano State Impartial Electoral Fee (KANSIEC).
Receiving the report, KANSIEC Chairman, Prof. Sani Lawal Malumfashi, famous the CSOs’ function in overseeing the elections.
“Your presence was invaluable in safeguarding the constitutional mandate of this election, and I encourage you to proceed selling democracy in Nigeria,” Malumfashi remarked.
Malumfashi acknowledged the observers’ function in stopping makes an attempt to disrupt the elections, which he described as important to upholding democratic values.
