As Anambra State prepares to hold its local government elections, the President Princeton Leadership Forum, Prince Chibuike Echem has tasked the state Independent Electoral Commission ( ANSIEC) on the need to ensure that the contest is credible.
Echem, in a statement said this is imperative owning to the significance of the third tier of government to sustainable democracy and socio-economic development in the country.
The Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo, recently inaugurated the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission ( ANSIEC), preparatory to the conduct of the council polls. The state is yet to hold local government election in the past 10 years.
Therefore, Echem noted that the forthcoming Anambra State local government polls is a significant milestone in the state. He, therefore, called on ANSIEC to to discharge its duties diligently.
According to him,”the upcoming local Government elections represent a significant moment in our state’s democratic journey. The integrity of these elections will shape the future of public service and political leadership recruitment at the local levels, improve the quality of governance outcomes, and impact the lives of residents in Anambra State through the local government administration, which is the closest government to the people.
“Accordingly, I urge the Chairman and Honourable Commissioners of ANSIEC to approach the sacred duties of their solemn mandate with unwavering commitment, diligence and dedication to high standards of public service excellence. The principles of inclusivity, electoral integrity, transparency, accountability, and credibility must be the cornerstones of your operations.
“Governance at the local level is fundamental to our sustainable democracy and inclusive socioeconomic and infrastructure development of Anambra State. As the primary political leadership recruitment and inclusive grassroots governance gateway, the local government administration provides the much-needed platform where the needs and voices of Ndi Anambra are directly addressed, and where the principles of good governance are exemplified.
” By ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process, you contribute not only to the health of our democracy but also to the strength and progress of our communities.”
