The chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla revealed that over 21,000 jobless people applied for ad-hoc jobs for the next Saturday local government elections in the state.
ROYAL NEWS gathered that only five political parties were registered to field candidates for the election
A senior staff of the commission, who hinted that the number of applicants reflected the sociopolitical situation in the country, informed that about 7,000 applicants were eventually considered.
The commission, on Wednesday however disclosed its readiness to conduct a hitch-free local government election across the 2,887 poling units in the state.
Baba-Okanla disclosed this at 43rd edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara State Council’s Media Parliament Conversation.
He listed the parties to include: All Progressives Congress (APC,) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP,) All Peoples Movement (APM,) Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Accord Party (AP.)
According to him: “I am pleased to announce that the commission has carefully crafted a comprehensive time table for the forthcoming local government elections to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the electoral process.
“The local government elections are scheduled to take place on 21st September, 2024. Polling units will open by 8.00am and voting will be concluded by 3.00pm , after which sorting, counting and collation of results will begin immediately . Announcement of results will be collated at the designated collation centres and announced after counting is concluded,” KWASIEC chairman said.
He said his commission is fully prepared for the council poll, adding: “we have worked diligently to ensure that every aspect of the electoral process is well planned and organised. From the training of electoral staff to the distribution of elections materials, every measure is being put in place to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.”
He disclosed that his commission has been collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the success of the council poll.
“The issue of the voter register is one that we have taken very seriously. A credible voter register is the foundation of any free and fair election, as it ensures that only eligible citizens participate in the electoral process,” he said.
Baba- Okanla said the commission has organised training programme for its staff and the ad- hoc staff that would supervise the elections across the 193 wards of the state.
He said they have also held consultations with the security agencies in the state to ensure maximum security of lives and property during the poll.
