As the local government elections in Akwa Ibom state approach, the residents are demanding a trustworthy and credible outcome.
This was made known in an advocacy meeting between Civil society group and the state’s electoral commission.
The local government elections in Akwa Ibom state as announced by governor Umo Eno is slated for November this year.
The residents want it to pass the integrity test with fairness to all stakeholders.
Mr Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa identifies poor funding as one of the impediments to the independence of state electoral commission and calls for a structured and sustained partnership with civil society organisations
Responding, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, chairman of AKISIEC blamed the gaps in the constitution for the poor outcomes of local government elections in the country.
He encouraged opposition parties to fully participate in the elections and not act neutral. He believes that if INEC template is applied in the states electoral commissions, local council elections will be achieved.
The Stakeholders say local elections are more intimately connected with the everyday experiences of the electorate such elections, allow for a more focused approach to addressing issues and concerns at the local level.
