From Yakubu Busari,Jos
The Resident Electoral Commissioner ,Plateau State Chapter ,Mal Hussaini Halilu Pai, during the stakeholders Forum
At least no fewer than 10 political parties are to participate in the upcoming senatorial by- election in Plateau South .
The Resident Electoral Commissioner ,Plateau State Chapter ,Mal Hussaini Halilu Pai has called for a credible election in the six (6) Local Government Councils of the State scheduled to hold on the December,5 2020 .
Mal Pai made this disclosure at the stakeholders forum on Friday 20, 2020 on the seat of Plateau South Senatorial by election in Shendam, Wase,Langtang North, Langtang South ,Quaanpan and Mikang LGAs, respectively.
Pai said the commission he was “aware that results management has remained a major source of mistrust in our electoral process” ,adding, “citizens are often concerned and sometimes rightly so,that results may not always be consistent with votes cast .
He emphasized that wearing of face mask is compulsory at the polling units and all election locations by voters, party agents and other stakeholders.
Pai warned that any voter without a face mask shall be turned away from the polling unit. However,, he added, the APOII may request for removal of face mask to prevent voter impersonation .
He warned political parties against branding of face mask and reminded his audience that there would be the required 2 meter social distancing at the polling units and sitting spaces arrangement within collation center .
Pai called on all voters to note that the voting exercise may commence by 8:30am and stop at 2:30pm and any voter showing symptoms of COVID-19 such as high temperature ,coughing ,sneezing etc will be requested to leave the queue or voting area and shall be attended to by designated officials .
He said the commission embark on wider consultation with political parties, NGOs, including staff to enlighten and educate them on the voting exercise and guidelines for it.
