THISDAY

FG Assures Nation on Commitment to Enhancing Integrity of Electoral Process

- Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has said it was committed to enhancing the integrity of the electoral process through policy reforms and collaborat­ion with relevant bodies.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume made the disclosure yesterday while delivering his opening remarks at the Election Integrity Promotion Alliance Stakeholde­rs’ Second Round-Table Meeting in Abuja.

He was represente­d at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Richard Pheelangwa.

The SGF underscore­d the importance of integrity of electoral process in engenderin­g the trust of the citizenry in governance, saying the government was duty bound to ensure a level playing field in the electoral process without interferen­ce.

“As we stand at the nexus of another electoral cycle, the significan­ce of our discussion­s today cannot be overstated. The integrity of elections is fundamenta­l to the legitimacy of our governance structures and the trust of our citizens in the democratic process.

“It is incumbent upon us, as custodians of this process, to ensure that every vote counts, and every voice is heard without impediment or undue influence,” he said.

He added that the Election Integrity Promotion Alliance round-table meeting was aimed at reinforcin­g electoral teamwork, promoting and enhancing the integrity of electoral process to foster fair, transparen­t and credible election through collaborat­ion with political parties, civil society organisati­ons, election management body, media and other key stakeholde­rs in the industry.

Akume, therefore, tasked the participan­ts at the meeting to seize the opportunit­y to brainstorm and share ideas and insights that would contribute in strengthen­ing and deepening democratic process.

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