PLASIEC Holds Capacity Building Workshop for CSOs and Political Parties

In preparation for the forthcoming Plateau State Local Government Elections on October 9, 2024, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), in collaboration with B&Y Consulting Limited, has commenced a three-day capacity-building workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and political parties. The event, which is being held at the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), by Crispan Hotel Gate, off Old Airport Junction, Rayfield Road, Jos, started on September 19 and will conclude on September 21, 2024.

The workshop is part of PLASIEC’s ongoing effort to ensure a credible, free, and fair electoral process by engaging key stakeholders in training sessions designed to promote responsible conduct during the elections.

Dr. Longmam G. Pienswang, PLASIEC’s Commissioner for Training and Research, expressed gratitude to political parties for their prompt attendance and apologized for the short notice given to CSOs. He emphasized the critical role that political parties play in the democratic process, stating, “We want you to be conversant with the changes and to change your mindset from the old to the new. Political parties are critical stakeholders in our affairs. If you don’t exist, there will be no need for any electoral commission to exist.”

Dr. Pienswang also urged participants to share the knowledge gained with their respective party members and agents at the grassroots level, noting the importance of cascading the training to ensure its full impact across the political landscape.

Dr. Plangsat B. Dayil, Coordinator and also a facilitator at the workshop, highlighted the significance of the training in fostering peaceful and credible elections. In her remarks, she pointed out the crucial role of CSOs and political parties in maintaining electoral integrity. “This training is very key because these sets of people are critical in terms of promoting credible, peaceful, and fair elections. It is commendable that PLASIEC is putting this plan in place to ensure that party leaders, agents, and CSOs understand the ethics of what they are involved in,” Dr. Dayil stated.

She further added that the training promotes a commitment to peaceful elections, non-violence, and collaboration between CSOs and political parties. “We believe that at the end of this, the credibility of PLASIEC, the electorate, and even the political parties will have been enhanced through these kinds of engagements. This is commendable, and we recommend more such trainings to foster inter-party and inter-organizational collaborations.”

The workshop also featured presentations from experts, including Augustine Onyeke, PhD, who discussed the role of party agents and CSOs in safeguarding civil behavior during elections, and DIG Rtd Habila Joshak, who addressed the prevention of electoral violence and the promotion of peace. Other topics included ethical leadership, legal frameworks relating to political party conduct, and techniques for managing political competition without violence.

Participants, including Aminu Hadi, IPAC Secretary, and Capt Bitrus Ngulen, Deputy Chairman of the PDP, expressed optimism that the training would strengthen the state’s democratic process and contribute to free and fair elections.

Day-one concluded with interactive discussions, group work, and a group photograph, marking a collaborative effort toward ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process in Plateau State.