BY OLUMIDE ABUDU
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC says its working in line with 2022 Electoral Act in the conduct of Local Government elections slated for December 16 next year.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof Yomi Dinakin represented by the Commissioner in Charge of Media and Publicity, Mr Rotimi Olorunfemi stated this at a stakeholders meeting on early preparation for the conduct of the election as stipulated in the electoral act.
Prof Dinakin emphasised that the commission was working in line with the provisions of Section 28 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 that stipulates holding of stakeholders meeting for briefing on the already released timetable for the council poll.
“ODIEC will continue to ensure that local government are given its pride of place and elections are conducted in credible and acceptable manner”
Prof Dinakin urged the stakeholders to support the commission at ensuring adequate sensitisation ahead of the poll.
Speaking at the meeting, the ODIEC Commissioner in charge of budget, cash allocation and operations, Mr Dele Akinyelure said the commission would ensure budgetary provisions for the conduct of the election is judiciously appropriated when eventually accessed.
The timetable indicates that conduct of party primaries by political parties and observation by the commission holds between April 10th to June 10th, 2023 while campaign will starts by July 17th and ends midnight of December 14th 2023.
In a contribution, the Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Mr Adesanya Olaoluwa said political parties would study the timetable and respond appropriately.
Stakeholders at the meeting included representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations among others.