Niger Delta
Edo Elections: CSOs Canvass Massive Voter Participation
The Interim TEC Chairman of Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSOs), Mr Austine Enabulele, has identified active voter participation as a crucial factor for democratic growth.
Enabulele, who disclosed this in an interview with The Tide’s source in Benin on Tuesday, said EDOCSOs is a coalition of different Civil Society Organisations in Edo.
Speaking on the September 21 governorship election in Edo, Enabulele said the power of change lies with the electorate and by their voting choice, saying they can determine the state’s future.
He reminded the electorate of their responsibility to vote during elections, noting that the decisions made on September 21 would shape the state for the next four years.
“Your voting rights give you the power to hold those in office accountable. By casting your vote, you ensure that your voice is heard and that the leaders elected represent your interests”, he said.
He called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters, electoral materials, and all stakeholders that would be participating in the election.
Enabulele also urged voters to prioritise their safety on election day by arriving at polling units early, casting their votes promptly, and returning home afterward.
“The best security is self-security”, he emphasised, urging voters to avoid lingering at polling stations unnecessarily.
The source recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced the updated list of governorship candidates via a statement in Abuja.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, indicated in the statement that 17 political parties were fielding candidates for the governorship election.
According to the statement, there is only one female out of the 17 candidates.