In preparation for the forthcoming Plateau State Local Government Election scheduled for 9th October 2024, PLASIEC hosted the Plateau Election Security Consultative Committee in a two-day workshop at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru.
Honorable Plangji Daniel Cishak, Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), welcomed participants at a two-day workshop for the Plateau Advisory Consultative Committee on Election Security (PLACCES). Held at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, the workshop focused on enhancing collaboration between security agencies and election bodies ahead of the Plateau State Local Government elections scheduled for 9th October 2024.
Addressing a range of officials, including the Commissioner of Police, heads of security agencies, and leaders from various political and religious groups, Cishak emphasized PLASIEC’s commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible elections. He noted that PLACCES has been fully activated across all 17 local government areas (LGAs) to enhance communication and operations in the lead-up to the elections.
“We aim to enhance synergy between security agencies, develop a robust strategy, and engage effectively with the electorate to ensure a peaceful election,” Cishak stated, outlining key goals of the workshop.
In the past two months, PLASIEC has made significant strides, including revising the 2016 PLASIEC law to align with the 2022 Electoral Act, overseeing party primaries, and printing voter registers for all polling units. The chairman also announced that non-sensitive election materials would be distributed to LGA offices starting 23rd September.
In his presentation titled *”Election Security and the Security of Elections,”* during an interview, Professor Chris Kwaja highlighted the dual role of both social and traditional media in either promoting peace or fueling conflict during the election period. He emphasized the immense power these platforms hold in shaping public opinion, cautioning that irresponsible content creation could derail progress. Kwaja urged media practitioners to be conscious of the messages they disseminate, particularly in avoiding hate speech that could inflame tensions. He also stressed the role of the public in critically assessing the information they share, calling for responsible forwarding of content. Traditional and religious leaders, along with civic groups, also have a pivotal role in mitigating hate speech and fostering peaceful dialogue. Kwaja emphasized that effective security during elections requires a balanced approach of both kinetic (force) and non-kinetic (dialogue) measures to address potential threats.
Associate Professor Oliver Tersoo Agundu, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Plateau State, delivered an insightful presentation on *”Administrative Procedure and Election Management.”* He outlined the critical importance of early and meticulous planning, emphasizing that every detail of an election — from logistics to training staff — must follow clear timelines to avoid pitfalls. Agundu explained that election management is a complex, multi-stakeholder exercise that demands coordination at every level, particularly in Plateau State, where local government elections are often emotionally charged due to close community ties. He highlighted logistics as a crucial element, noting that poor transportation, delayed material distribution, and inadequate security can significantly undermine election credibility. Agundu stressed that PLASIEC must ensure all logistical aspects are handled efficiently to avoid election delays, which could damage public trust.
The workshop also featured an interactive session where participants engaged in meaningful dialogue, asking critical questions and offering valuable suggestions. This session provided an opportunity for stakeholders, including security officials, political leaders, and civil society members, to voice concerns, clarify key points, and propose practical solutions to enhance election security and logistics. The discussions focused on addressing potential challenges, such as the coordination of security personnel, timely deployment of election materials, and managing voter expectations. The open exchange of ideas fostered a collaborative environment aimed at refining strategies for a peaceful and credible local government election.
With 23 days until the elections, PLASIEC remains focused on fostering collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a credible, peaceful election in Plateau State.
