By Ejike Abana
Anambra State has been without a local government election for the last eleven years. The last local government election took place in 2013, few months before the then Governor Peter Obi left office- the election was marred with reports of violence and so on and so forth.
The expiration of the tenure of the chairmen and councillors in the twenty one local government areas and three hundred and twenty six wards, respectively, sparked concerns amongst citizens over the lack of accountability and transparency in local government affairs.
Subsequently, it was on this premise that in 2021, during his campaign and at his 2022 inauguration speech, Governor Soludo variously promised to conduct the local government election within his first term in office. Many did not believe.
No doubt, in the last eleven years, the absence of local government elections in the state has impeded the development of democracy at the grassroots level and has left citizens without a voice in the governance of their communities.
Before now, many stakeholders had criticized the government over its inability to conduct local government elections, noting that it is a fundamental aspect of democracy that should not be neglected.
Some believe that the postponement of local government elections is a deliberate attempt by the state government to control local government affairs and divert resources meant for local development to other projects.
Fast forward to 2024, as a man who believes in "process", Governor Soludo spearheaded the arrangement of the institutional mechanisms and legal framework for the organisation of the local government election. The election would have been held in December this year, but for the Supreme Court judgement that almost made it like an emergency for states without Council Chairmen to quickly conduct their election.
Yesterday, September, 28, 2024, Soludo kept the promise he made to ndị Anambra- a transparent election took place where nine political parties participated. From the video evidence and reactions by the people, the election has been described as the best so far. Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC conducted local government elections, which was largely adjudged to be peaceful, free, and fair. The government's decision to conduct local government elections has been well received by more than 60 percent of citizens, who have hailed the move as a step in the right direction towards deepening democracy at the grassroots level.
Speaking shortly after he cast his vote at his ward in Isuofia, Governor Soludo acknowledged that the reports he got, the electoral process was transparent, free, and fair and expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the election, which he believes demonstrated the state's growth in democratic values. By affirming the transparency of the election, Governor Soludo reassured the people of the state that their voices had been heard and that the process had been fully inclusive.
It is hoped that the successful conduct of the local government elections in Anambra State will serve as a catalyst for the elected Council Chairmen and Councillors in the state to prioritize democracy and development at the grassroots level.
Many political enthusiasts, stakeholders, citizens, civil society organisations and observers commended the Governor and security operatives for their roles in ensuring that the election was violence-free.
The voter turnout was also a testimony of the people's desire for good governance and transparency at the grassroots level. Commendations therefore goes to ndị Anambra for coming out to vote. It is hoped that their votes produced competent and capable leaders at the various Council Areas.
The just concluded local government election marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of democracy at the grassroots level in Anambra State. The people had spoken through their votes and they had decided to elect leaders who would directly represent their needs. By implication, it is believed that the elected local government chairmen would be accountable to their constituencies and deliver the dividends of democracy.
In conclusion, the Anambra State local government election is proof that Governor Soludo is committed to delivering free, fair, and transparent elections to the people of the State. His commitment to transparency and accountability in governance has continued to yield dividends, and the people of Anambra State can look forward to even more development under his leadership. Definitely, the elected Chairmen will tow this path.
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