LGA elections critical to promoting democracy – Coalition

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Coalition of Like Minds Parties has reiterated that Local Government Areas Election remains critical to the sustainability of democracy and benefits the grassroots.
The chairman of the coalition, Adam Idris, stated this when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM), Hajiya Hajara Muhammad, in Kaduna yesterday.
According to him, the LG elections are an election that is very close to the people and is an arm of government that people at the grassroots should have access to.
He added that, although political parties have been monitoring the activities of the commission, the Coalition hopes that the commission would do its best to see that this election comes out without any hitches.
The Chairman said he is aware that names of candidates have been published with the screening concluded, and those that are qualified to contest are now aware and it is left for them to go out there and seek for vote from citizens so they can win the election.
He, therefore, urged the commission to keep up the good work and stick to the guidelines and rules that have been established from the onset and also make the atmosphere conducive enough for citizens to go out there and vote.
He appreciated the commission for their gesture towards political parties by giving them listening ears when they come around and for always embracing people and doing their utmost best to address important issues adequately.
He also commended the commission for committing to the work and carrying out their duties with every sense of responsibility.
In response to the commendation, the Chairman of the Commission, Hajiya Hajara Ahmed appreciated the Coalition for making contributions towards the success of the forthcoming LG Elections.
She stressed that Political Parties are important to democracy, and as Members of the House of Assembly, they are representatives of the people, and when they make laws, the Commission follows and does not do anything outside it.
She added that the established laws had provided a level ground for all political parties to thrive, and here, no candidate would be favored over another.
“The most important thing is to have a peaceful election. The Local Government Election is grassroots and must not be neglected. People should come out and vote.
“This is like a game, and every game has its rules, and each political Party and candidate must abide by the rules of the election.
“I am happy you have all scored us well, and we promise to do more cause, at the end of the day, the success of the election is all that matters”, she stressed.