The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has adjusted its election timetable to accommodate the activities affected by the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PLASIEC, on July 10, released a timetable for local government elections slated for Oct. 9.
Some of the activities were slated for early August, but the days were lost to the 24-hour curfew Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed on Jos-Bukuru metropolis when the nationwide protests turned violent.
The Chairman of PLASIEC, Mr Manji Cishak, who briefed newsmen on Thursday in Jos, said that the adjustment was to ensure that no individual or political party was disenfranchised.
Cishak said that some political parties had scheduled their primary elections during the period of the curfew but could not conduct them.
“As a result of the unavoidable development, PLASIEC has rescheduled some upcoming activities for the local government elections as earlier released.
“The conduct of primary elections and resolution of disputes by political parties scheduled to hold from July 29 to Aug. 8 has now been adjusted to end on Aug. 15.
“The collection of nomination forms for candidates by political parties slated for Aug. 9 to Aug. 13 will now be from Aug. 16 to Aug. 19,” Cishak said.
He said that the submission of nomination forms for candidates by political parties earlier scheduled to hold from Aug. 14 to Aug. 19, would now take place from Aug. 20 to Aug. 23,.
“The publication of the personal particulars of candidates by the commission will take place on Aug. 24 instead of Aug. 21,” he said.
The chairman said that the adjustments were to ensure that the election process continued smoothly while maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral system.
He assured stakeholders that PLASIEC remained fully committed to ensuring that all political parties participated in the elections without any disadvantage.
Cishak reassured the public and all stakeholders that rescheduling some of the activities would not affect the fairness and transparency of the election process.
According to him, the commission’s focus is toward providing a level playing field and equal opportunity for all parties involved.
He commended the understanding and cooperation of all political parties, aspirants and voters. (NAN)
