ISIEC Refutes Claims of Premature Candidate List Release for LGA Elections

The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has firmly denied recent media reports suggesting that it has prematurely published the names of candidates from various political parties ahead of the scheduled local government area (LGA) elections on 21 September.

This clarification comes in response to widespread misinformation that threatened to undermine the Commission’s efforts to conduct a fair and transparent electoral process.

In an official statement, Charles Ejiogu, Chairman of ISIEC, addressed the misleading reports, urging political parties and the general public to disregard the false information.

He emphasised that the reports are not only incorrect but also have the potential to disrupt the Commission’s work and create unnecessary confusion among voters and stakeholders.

“The attention of ISIEC has been drawn to the news making the rounds that the Commission had released the names of candidates for the upcoming local government council elections.

This piece of information, in its entirety, is both misleading and mischievous,” Ejiogu stated.

He further explained that the Commission is committed to upholding the principles of transparency and fairness as enshrined in the constitution and electoral guidelines.

According to Ejiogu, any release of candidate names will occur only after the mandatory validation of personal details for all candidates, as required by law.

Ejiogu outlined that ISIEC’s procedures for verifying candidate information are rigorous and designed to ensure that only those who meet the legal and regulatory requirements are approved to stand in the elections.

This validation process is critical in maintaining the integrity of the electoral exercise, as it involves scrutinising the personal details submitted by each candidate to confirm their eligibility.

The false report alleging the premature release of candidate names was not only incorrect but also detrimental to the Commission’s ongoing efforts to prepare for the elections.

In light of this, Ejiogu directed all participating political parties, their candidates, and the general public to disregard these rumours, which he characterised as a blatant falsehood spread with the intent to cause unnecessary distractions.

Ejiogu’s statement comes at a crucial time as the Commission continues its preparations for the LGA elections, a key aspect of grassroots governance in Imo State.

The ISIEC chairman reassured all stakeholders of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to conducting an election that is free, fair, and credible.

He stressed that ISIEC remains focused on its mandate to deliver an electoral process that reflects the true will of the people, without succumbing to external pressures or misinformation.

The misinformation that prompted ISIEC’s response underscores the broader challenges faced by electoral bodies in Nigeria and beyond, where false reports can quickly spread, potentially undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

Ejiogu’s swift rebuttal serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate information and the need for media outlets and individuals to verify claims before dissemination.

ISIEC has reiterated that its priority is to follow due process and adhere strictly to the legal framework governing elections in the state.

The Commission’s protocols ensure that every action taken is in line with the established rules, which are designed to protect the democratic process and ensure that elections are conducted in a manner that is both transparent and accountable.

The upcoming local government elections in Imo State are of significant importance as they represent the foundation of democratic governance at the grassroots level.

Local government councils play a vital role in the administration of public services and the implementation of policies that directly affect the daily lives of citizens.

Therefore, the integrity of the electoral process is paramount to ensuring that elected officials are truly representative of the people’s will.

As ISIEC moves forward with its preparations, the Commission has called on political parties, candidates, and the general public to remain patient and cooperate with the established timelines and procedures.

Ejiogu highlighted the importance of maintaining trust in the electoral system and urged all parties to refrain from actions that could compromise the credibility of the elections.

In conclusion, ISIEC’s denial of the false reports and its reaffirmation of adherence to due process are crucial steps in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

The Commission remains dedicated to conducting a transparent and fair election on 21 September, ensuring that the voices of the electorate are heard and respected.

As the date approaches, ISIEC’s focus will remain on ensuring that all preparations are completed in accordance with the law, and that the election is conducted smoothly, without the influence of misleading information or undue external pressures.