AMILOADED MEDIA HUB NEWS UPDATE
The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) ha urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a peaceful and violence-free general election in 2023, AMILOADED reports.
KDI, while addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Tuesday, called on security agents to conduct themselves in a professional and impartial manner and ensure justice in discharging their duties during the forthcoming elections across the country.
The group said, “KDI at this moment request and passionately pleads with all stakeholders: /NEC, political parties, candidates, youth leaders, security officers and political Stalwarts to please play by the rule and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the elections.
“INEC is enjoined to ensure all election materials arrive at the various polling units timeously and election commences promptly to avoid any form of violence.
“INEC must ensure that all the ad-hoc staff posted to the field are well-equipped and have the capacity to handle the business of the polls, as any perceived ineptitude on the part of INEC staff could call for violence.
“Security agents should conduct themselves in a professional and impartial manner and ensure justice in discharging their duty.
“The security agents must not be heard, seen, or perceived to be in support of any political party or help in perpetrating election fraud. Any act of partisanship on the part of the security agents can jeopardize the peace in the State.
“The media is encouraged to use all platforms, be it TV, radio, print or social media, to enlighten the citizens on the conduct of the election and preach peaceful conduct of the general election.
“The media are requested to be professional and desist from fake news in their reporting, bearing in mind that the people count on them for genuine unbiased reporting.”
It also urged political parties to desist from all activities that could scare the people away from the polls, adding that the “likelihood of voter apathy is high if the bout of violence been perpetrated by party thugs and supporters continues through to election day.”
KDI further enjoined the political parties to enlighten their members on the need to observe a peaceful election.
“All candidates involved in the forthcoming elections are requested to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for all by ensuring that their followers are not used to foment violence in any Ward or Local Government Area/Council.
“Religious and traditional rulers are enjoined to engage their people and use their exalted positions to convince them to shun violence and embrace peace at the general election.
“All election stakeholders need to ensure that all efforts are made towards having a violence-free general election in Osun State, as we hope for a peaceful atmosphere during and after the election,” it added.
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