In order to enhance a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after election, groups of non-governmental organizations in Osun led by Kimpact Development Initiative, have developed a model for civil society to monitor, analyse and respond to incidents of election related conflicts during the polls.
The group called on politicians, Independent National Electoral Commission, security agents and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful atmosphere during the forthcoming polls.
At a press briefing on Tuesday in Osogbo, the Osun State EVMM Peace and Mediation Working Committee, stated that the purpose of the monitoring team was to promote collaboration and dialogue between election stakeholders in order to mitigate and /or prevent election violence.
Reading the prepared statement, a member of the team, Alhaja Sadiat Oladapo said the group has been working with stakeholders to monitor and analyse political atmosphere in Osun State.
“Reports from the trained long-term security monitors deployed between 17 December 2022 and 4th February 2023 have identified the following election violence as prominent violence perpetrated in Osun State: physical violence, properties destruction, protest and vote buying”.
“The following Local Government Areas (LGA) were identified to have experienced one form electoral violence or the other. The LGAS include Odo-otin, Orolu, llesa East Oriade, Iwo, Olaoluwa, Atakumosa East and llesha West, Atakumosa West, Isokan, Ife South, Boripe, Ede North, Ife North, Oriade, Orolu, Ayedire, Irewole, Osogbo and Olorunda. It’s alarming that 20 LGAs out of 30 LGAs have experienced electoral violence”.
According to the findings of the monitoring team advised that more could be done to sensitize and enlighten the citizens on the need for them to come out to cast their votes peacefully. Citizens, especially the aged, women and Persons Living with Disability (PWDs).
“And they must be assured of their safety in order not to experience voter apathy from this set of people. The palpable poverty in the land makes the citizens susceptible to vote selling and other forms of election fraud”.
However, KDI pleads with all stakeholders INEC, 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 timely 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”.
“Political Parties are requested to desist from all activities that could scare the people away from the polls. The likelihood of voter apathy is high if the bout of violence been perpetrated by party thugs and supporters continues through to election day”.
“Political parties are requested 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”, the statement concluded.
