The Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), Bala Job Aji, has called for stronger collaboration between the commission and political parties to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the state.
Aji made the call on Tuesday during a familiarisation meeting with political party stakeholders at the TSIEC Conference Hall in Jalingo.
He said the meeting was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the commission and political parties while promoting a credible electoral process in the state.
According to him, cooperation and unity among electoral stakeholders are essential to achieving credible elections.
“We can only achieve this when we are united. Division between TSIEC and political parties will not be allowed,” Aji said.
The TSIEC chairman also disclosed that three councillorship seats are currently vacant in Donga, Wukari and Jalingo local government councils in the state.
He assured stakeholders that the commission was putting the necessary structures in place to fill the vacant seats, stressing its commitment to ensuring that the wishes of the people are reflected in election results.
“We are committed to ensuring that the true verdict of Tarabans is reflected on the ballot,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Taraba State chapter, the Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Saadu Abubakar, who represented the chairman, Abubakar Bawa, commended the TSIEC leadership for engaging political parties at an early stage.
Abubakar described the initiative as a bold step capable of strengthening confidence among stakeholders ahead of future elections.
Party chairmen at the meeting also pledged their support for the commission and commended its new management for what they described as a positive change in the conduct of electoral affairs.
The stakeholders, however, urged TSIEC to deploy modern technology in the electoral process to minimise irregularities and enhance public confidence.
