As Plateau State prepares for its upcoming local government elections on October 9, 2024, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) is taking significant steps to ensure a smooth and credible process. The PLASIEC team, led by Chairman Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, recently visited the Plateau State office of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to discuss a collaboration aimed at achieving this goal.
During the visit, Hon. Cishak emphasized the critical importance of local government elections, which he described as the most fundamental form of governance due to their direct impact on the daily lives of citizens. He acknowledged the heavy responsibility placed on PLASIEC, particularly given the unique challenges faced at the local government level.
He noted, “The local government elections are the most critical in any society because people don’t live in the state; they live in local governments and polling units. That is where significant life events such as burials, weddings, and celebrations occur. The council is the closest to the people, making it the most burdensome level of governance.”
Hon. Cishak also highlighted several innovations introduced by PLASIEC, including the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) initiative. This new approach allows voters to use Android phones equipped with specialized software for voter verification, ensuring that every vote is counted accurately and reducing the potential for electoral malpractice.
He expressed his confidence in the team appointed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, praising their dedication and teamwork in ensuring the elections will be conducted with integrity. “We believe institutions should be bigger than individuals who occupy them, and we are committed to leaving a legacy of transparency and efficiency in the electoral process,” he stated.
In response, Mrs. Kaneng Theresa Pam, Director of NOA Plateau State, welcomed the collaboration and emphasized NOA’s role in mobilizing and educating the public about the electoral process. She expressed her optimism about the partnership and reiterated NOA’s readiness to support PLASIEC’s efforts.
The meeting concluded with both organizations expressing their commitment to working together to ensure a successful and peaceful election on October 9, 2024.
