The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has successfully concluded its two-day Plateau Advisory Consultative Committee on Election Security Workshop (PLACCES) at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). The workshop brought together security personnel from various agencies, as well as key stakeholders, to ensure that the forthcoming local government elections in the state are conducted smoothly and without incident.
Speaking to the media, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, Chairman PLASIEC, expressed the importance of the collaboration between the Commission and security agencies. “This is the first time PLASIEC has been involved in such an event. The aim is to foster cooperation between the Commission and the security agencies,” he noted. He emphasized the need for a peaceful election process, especially in a state like Plateau, which has enjoyed relative peace in recent times. “The process and activities of the elections should not spark conflict. That’s why we’re being proactive by organizing this workshop,” Cishak added.
He went on to highlight the key issues discussed during the workshop, including logistics, security in flashpoint areas, and the inclusion of displaced communities in the electoral process. “We want to ensure that every eligible Plateau citizen can participate in these local government elections without being disenfranchised,” he said.
Addressing the expectations of the people of Plateau, Cishak assured that their votes would count. He explained that significant efforts had been made to open up the electoral space, with eleven political parties contesting in the elections. “Civil society, international bodies like IFES, and other stakeholders have been involved. The use of technology in verifying voter anonymity will be critical in ensuring a transparent election.”
A major highlight of the workshop was the demonstration of a new Voter Verification System (VVS), which ensures that voters, whether they possess their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or not, can still vote if they are registered. Cishak explained that voters whose houses had been destroyed or who were homeless would still be able to vote once their names were located on the register. “Once you find your name on the register, all you need are the last six digits of your Voter Identification Number (VIN) to be verified and accredited,” he said. This system is designed to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure that the principle of ‘one man, one vote’ is upheld.
The workshop also featured paper presentations from notable speakers, including Prof. Sola Adeyanju, MNI, who presented on the “Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Election Duty,” and retired DIG Habila Joshak, who discussed the “Logistics and Challenges of Elections: Historical Experiences.” Dr. Plangsat Bitrus Dayil, a political scientist from the University of Jos, gave an insightful presentation on the gender dimension and the impact of insecurity on elections.
The practical demonstration of the VVS by ICT experts Kinsley Michael and Emmanuel Efosa captivated the audience, as they showcased the system’s ability to verify voter details both online and offline. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions and engage in interactive sessions following each presentation.
The event concluded with a group photograph of the participants and resource persons, marking the end of a successful workshop aimed at ensuring a peaceful and transparent election process in Plateau State.
