As Abia State prepares for local government elections on November 2, 2024, the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has pledged to conduct a fair and credible electoral process.
During a meeting with representatives from 19 political parties, security officials, and state legislators, ABSIEC Chairman Prof. George Chima emphasized the importance of democratic governance at the grassroots level. He stated, “The essence of this meeting is to assure you of the commission’s true desire and determination to ensure that the right things are done the right way.”
The elections will see the selection of 184 chairpersons and councillors across 17 local government areas. Prof. Chima acknowledged past concerns regarding the commission’s impartiality, promising a significant change in how elections are conducted. “Our commitment to ushering in true democratic principles remains pivotal,” he asserted.
He urged all stakeholders to adhere to the rules, noting that cooperation would be essential for achieving credible governance. However, representatives from the political parties raised several concerns, including the credibility of council members, the lack of transparency regarding the cost of election forms, and the exclusion of some parties from the electoral planning process.
While responding to questions, Prof. Chima did not provide a budgetary estimate for the elections but confirmed that a comprehensive security strategy would be in place. Further details regarding election costs and additional guidelines will be shared soon.
