By Peter Amine
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), says it has commenced preparations for the conduct of local government elections.
PLASIEC Chairman, Mr Planji Cishak, made the disclosure on Thursday in Jos, when he briefed newsmen on the activities of the commission.
Cishak, who assumed office one week ago, along with his commissioners, said that the commission had already commenced immediate actions and readiness checks.
The chairman stated that PLASIEC identifying administrative and operational gaps and weaknesses, as well developing and implementing policies that would pave the way for free, fair, and credible elections at the grassroots.
He assured the people that the goal was to establish a level playing field that would instill confidence in the electoral process across all political parties in Plateau.
According to him, the commission will issue notice of election as soon as the checks are completed.
“As an electoral umpire, our mandate is unequivocal: to fortify the electoral framework from the ward level up to the local government through credible election processes.
“Under my watch, PLASIEC is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every Plateau citizen exercises their democratic right to vote for local leaders.
“We are dedicated to nurturing democratic leadership structures at the local level, rewriting the narrative of local government elections in the state and Nigeria through transparency, fairness, professionalism, and inclusivity.
“In pursuit of our mission to uphold democratic ideals in Plateau State, PLASIEC intends to forge a robust partnership with media practitioners, political parties, security agencies, and development partners,” he said.
Cishak called on all citizens of Plateau to join the commission on the journey to rebuild, retool, and reorganise the institution above individuals and narrow interests, so that everyone would be proud of PLASIEC.
The chairman added that his vision at PLASIEC was to contribute to the growth of democratic ideals in Plateau and positively impact democracy in Nigeria.
He maintained that the commission’s mission was to conduct credible local government elections in Plateau in accordance with established rules, guidelines, and global best practices. NAN