Bassey Inyang in Calabar
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State has urged voters to reject violence and electoral malpractice in the upcoming local government elections, set for November 2.
During a rally to launch a sensitization campaign against election rigging, thuggery, and political violence, state IPAC Chairman Effiom Edet emphasized the importance of a peaceful electoral process. Addressing attendees in Calabar, the state capital, Edet called on the electorate to avoid actions that could undermine the integrity of the elections.
He stated, “No credible leader can emerge in a democratic society through methods that contradict democracy, such as violence, rigging, vote-buying, and the manipulation of election results. Elections should not be a matter of life or death. The upcoming local government elections certainly shouldn’t have that mentality.”
Edet elaborated on the purpose of the campaign, saying, “We are taking this movement against violence and thuggery across all three senatorial districts to educate our citizens on these issues. When people engage in rigging, they deny the community the chance to elect the right leaders.”
Highlighting the importance of participation, he added, “We are encouraging residents to come out in large numbers and vote for the candidates of their choice in the local government elections. This sensitization exercise aims to reassure our people that they should not feel intimidated on election day, but rather come out and support candidates who can drive development at the grassroots level.”
